Keystone Kids

Penna. elementary school gets major infrastructure modernization

The Connellsville Area School District today announced a major infrastructure modernization project at Dunbar Township Elementary School, the district’s largest elementary school, in partnership with OPTERRA Energy Services.

The comprehensive project represents the first major renovation of the school in more than 55 years and takes a holistic approach to addressing the facility’s current and future needs. The District and OPTERRA developed an integrated plan that combines long-term infrastructure planning and implementation to modernize the school and create a safer, efficient, and more accessible learning environment for students and staff, according to an October 22 press release.

One of the celebratory additions of the project championed by the local community will be the development of a new, inclusive playground designed to provide students with special needs greater access to outdoor play, recreation, and social interaction. This important focus of the project scope was driven by support from Connellsville families, faculty, staff and students for many years. Recognizing the community’s long-term support for this addition, District leadership is excited to leverage the upcoming project development to meet the opportunity for expanded recreational access.

The new accessible playground will include comprehensive site preparation and earthwork, safety surfacing systems, inclusive playground equipment, accessible pathways, and security fencing.

“This project is about more than repairing aging infrastructure. It is about taking a comprehensive, long-term look at the needs of the school and creating a plan that supports students, staff, and the community for decades to come,” said Mr. Robert Renzi/Board Member Connellsville Area School District. “After nearly 60 years without a major renovation, this project provides an opportunity to address critical infrastructure needs in a coordinated way while also making important investments in accessibility and the student experience.”