Please Sign Our Petition

admin — Sun, 05 Apr 2009 14:49:11 +0000

We the people undersigned want the Bethel Park School Board to immediately halt all construction related activities and to place the issue of whether to build a new high school on a referrendum, so that the citizens of Bethel Park could decide if a new school is wanted. We understand that you have no legal obligation to do so, however the costs involved are such a large expense that the community deserves the right to vote for or against the project.

[NOTE: Once the petition is signed, an email will be generated to the address supplied. You must confirm your signature by clicking the link and visiting the address provided in that email, or your signature will not be added to our petition! Thanks!]

Current Petitioners:

Beth Celuck comments: I graduated in 1981 and I loved the \\'college campus\\' experience of the open campus high school. It was wonderful. It made us feel so grown up. I have fond memories of my high school days and I breaks my heart to think they will change anything about that school. I hope that they choose to repair and update the buildings instead.

John Federer comments:

David Hughey comments: I think the new school is pointless when theres a great campus right there already.

xxxxxxxx comments: BPHS is unique... would hate to see it torn down!!

Michelle Cosgrove comments:

Lauren Moore comments: we need to keep the campus style! it helped me transition to college so easy compared to other students who are in one building. keeping this campus would be great for this community in every way possible!

Amy Green comments: I am sad and ashamed at the utter lack of consideration we, as a community, have given to our older residents in regard to this issue. The cost to continue to live in Bethel Park will become prohibitive for many residents, because the money will have to come from the taxpayers one way or another. If our responsible leaders were looking to better the community for the future of all, a ,000 LEED certification comittment would counter balance the + MILLION dollars we are comitted to spending, and make our community eligible for grants and loans designed to keep buildings healthy, green and energy efficient. Even if we were to rethink the project at this late date and do REPAIRS instead of replacements, we could get LEED certified. We should be ashamed of the pompous, wasteful arrogance that has allowed our school board to proceed with this disturbing wastefulness.

C. M. Schmid comments: Does no member of the school board remember all of the fancy new entrances and facades many of our schools received under former superintendent McNaughton? None of those \\"upgrades\\" added anything at all to the curriculum or Bethel\\'s academic standing with the state! We don\\'t need a new high school. The community\\'s tax base cannot support these grandiose plans. I, for one, will leave Bethel if this is begun. (And I will even sell my home at a loss to make certain you school board fools can only tax the new owner on the sale price!) The school board is obviously clueless to the state of the economy right now and how many people are just scraping by. Besides, you don\\'t tear down and rebuild whenever your home reaches 40 or 50! You remodel. The funds destined for this stupid new high school would be better spent on (1) improving academic standards and (2) remodeling and maintaining what we already have. Besides, demolishing and replacing is certainly the most \\"UNGREEN\\" approach to the entire plan.

Beverly Bachri comments: Let those who want it pay for it. We love BPHS just the way it is. The open campus has always been a unique and loved part of BPHS known throughout the area.

Lori Magee (Barkand) comments: BPHS is unique. I know people whom the unique layout helped them prepare for the college experience. Economically, residents cant afford to foot the bill now. Please dont fix what IS NOT broken!!!! BPHS is a fabulous school as it is.

Susan Dykes comments:

Debbie Balsis Gasbarro comments: It would be a shame to see this school be torn down. The alumni love it and would love for future generations to experience it as well!!

David Nickel comments: I felt the campus style school helped prepare us for college. Besides the people everyone should be asking what do the the teacher think would be most beneficial to the students. That so often gets lost...

Paul Daniel Stratemeier comments: why so hastily? the idea of this new school seemingly came out of no where a few short years ago and now it\\'s fully upon us. The current layout is easy to become acquainted with and offers frequent chances to get a breath of fresh air before being hurried into a stuffy classroom again. Great things about our school are dissapearing alarmingly. For instance, senior slave day has been done away with just this year, a day that offers a chance for students express themselves extracurricularly and stimulates cooperation between upper and lower classmen. Why are we so concerned about mere superficial appearances when the quality of campus life is depreciating. Give the students and the COMMUNITY what they want, not this arbitrary nonsense

Kelsey Lauritzen comments:

Rita Johnson comments: I think it this economic time, now is not the time to build a new school.

xxxxxxxx comments:

Sean Curtis comments: More than half of Bethel Park Graduates pride is in the campus. No other high school in this region has this blessing and cuse of a campus. Rain/Sleet/Snow....good times.

Cassie Greig Davenport comments: I hope you reconsider this radical idea of destroying the campus experience which was the highlight of so many students over the many years. I was there 69-73 and was so proud and happy to get that very grown up experience prior to college. I don\\'t know all the finances but please consider any way possible to save this experience for generations to come.

Joey Albanesi comments: What is the school board doing? They are completely out of their minds. Are taxes are going to be extremely raised and not to mention the fact that we are going to hear hammers and drills all day everyday at school. Also the fact that supposedly what i have heard from many people is that teachers will go class to class and students will be couped up in a room all day. WHO WANTS TO DO THAT???

Richard C. Burdelsky comments:

Lynn Jackson comments:

Aaron Varhola comments: Renovate the high school, but do it right. This will mean spending more money upfront, but will prevent having to demolish the buildings 12 years later. Spend more money on energy efficiency that would be comparable to a LEED-certified building. Build the labs, computer facilities, and other academic and extracurricular facilities to handle future technology and demand.

xxxxxxxx comments:

xxxxxxxx comments: Refurbish in gradual stages. Demolishing the current HS is not necessary, not to mention financially irresponsible.

xxxxxxxx comments: no new school, lower taxes

martin ryczkowski comments:

Dana Krupnyk comments: Jeff,

Megan Shepherd comments:

John M. Snyder comments: I like the old one

Jennie Duberstein comments:

xxxxxxxx comments:

xxxxxxxx comments: Why is the school board ignoring the wishes of the people? the majority is against the new construction!!!

xxxxxxxx comments: We do not need a new school!! They just spent tens of thousands on rennovations 10 years ago! Let the residents have a say since it will be our taxes that help fund this!!

Tracy Wilson comments:

xxxxxxxx comments: Let us vote !!

Stephen G Hussar comments: The right thing to do is to put the question on the ballot and let the people who have to send their children to the high school decided whether its worth buying a new school or renovate.

Charles Woods comments:

Diane Scabilloni comments:

xxxxxxxx comments: I currently attend Bethel Park High School and I absolutely love the campus. Please let the people of Bethel Park decide whether or not to build a new high school. We\\'d like our voice heard!

Rebecca Rodgers comments: The current campus has always made for an easier transition to college. There\\'s no reason for a new school. All it will do is raise taxes and make people unhappy.

Kevin Dulski comments: I\\'m a recent 2006 graduate of BPHS and i feel as though building a new high school is a total waste of money. You\\'re reasoning may be that newer families may move into the area but who\\'s to say that a new high school will improve our future generations\\' education.With the endless amounts of technology and other ways to improve education, why not lean that way for spending tax payer\\'s money.The outdoor setting did indeed prepare me for college also and I wasn\\'t in a holding cell as if I went to Lebo or Baldwin.

Matt Reed comments:

Pamela Bobak comments: The least you can do is put ti to a vote

Dan Laur comments: Didn\\'t we put 20 million into the renovations during the early 90\\'s? The work included new HVAC systems, electrical, plumbing, roofs, windows, etc.

Linda A Botzer comments: If we had been doping Preventative Maintenance all along, we would not need a new building!

xxxxxxxx comments:

DONALD E CERESA comments:

xxxxxxxx comments:

Rebecca Edwards comments: I don\\'t think its fair that the future generations of Bethel Park students won\\'t get the oppurtunity I did! The campus style prepared me better for college. I doubt that any of the administration spoke with BP alum and asked for opinions of students, because I would bet that they would want the school to be a campus style, but just have repairs and new equipment!

Jennifer Farmerie comments: We do not need a new High School!!!

Alec Grieco comments: leave it up to democracy

Victor Centofanti comments: To me, going to BPHS in the late 60’s was what those Hippy Days were all about - FREEDOM. I’m glad I didn’t go to Mt. Leb, just the look of that building gave me Closter phobia. Who designed the new school? Looks like they stole the school off the “Simpsons”, or some other sitcom. Actually it looks like a Convalescent Home, Warehouse and Sewage Treatment plant stuck together.

Mark Schuette comments: Let the residents vote!

xxxxxxxx comments: Make some needed rennovations. A new school is not needed. I as well do not buy into the safety concerns of one entrance. If someone wants to do something, they are going to do it weather it is one door or many doors. I married a graduate of BPHS and she turned out just fine and said that the school is in fine condition. Let\\'s make the much needed renovations and keep costs down.

Erin Winkler comments: don\\'t need the new school. I am a gradute and it was just fine

Robin comments: Save Our High School!

PATRICIA F. TYMAN comments: DO NOT BUILD A NEW HIGH SCHOOL. ADD PORTICOS BETWEEN THE BUILDINGS!!

David J Barone comments:

Sarah Barone comments:

xxxxxxxx comments: I\\'m a graduate of 2004 and loved the outdoor campus because it\\'s a chance to get outside and makes our campus unlike every other school. I don\\'t buy the safety concerns either, with one front door, but isn\\'t high school supposed to prepare kids for college or a career, which undoubtably will involve going outside. Plus, if we are going to raise taxes for education, spend it on something more useful for the students, like books and technology. It\\'s just sad that after only 5 years, I won\\'t ever be able to go back to my high school. Save Bethel High. Thank you

John Koch comments: Haven\\'t we been taxed enough?

Valerie A. Szott comments: I thought we lived in a democracy where you voted on major issues that impact people\\'s lives. Apparently, this concept does not apply to those of us living in Bethel Park. We have the \\"Powers that be\\" deciding what we want, what we need and how much we are willing to spend! There is nothing wrong with the current school Also, my concern is from a safety viewpoint, can you imagine trying to get all of these children out of one building in the event of a fire, or God forbid something else? There should definately be a vote!!!

marion & michael o\'toole comments:

linda cardamone comments: put it to a public vote

Thomas M. & Rosemary Welsh comments:

Jamie L. Turney comments: Our school is unique, as it is the ONLY outdoor campus high school in the east coast! Keep Bethel Park on the map for many MORE years to come!!!

C Kudrav comments: i do NOT want a new school

Rachel Kudrav comments: we do not need to WASTE taxpayer dollars when we have a fine school

JOHN MITCHELL comments: THE PEOPLE SHOULD HAVE A CHOICE IN THIS MATTER

Nick Griffin comments:

Jane Brackett comments:

xxxxxxxx comments:

pamela pastore comments: i will move

Ron Beal comments:

xxxxxxxx comments:

xxxxxxxx comments: We do need to vote

Carole Lucchesi comments:

Dennis Stocker comments:

John Smolak comments: No tax increase during a major recession! Most people now have a fixed income because salaries have been frozen and bonuses are non-existent. You should consider running the government in a cost-cutting manner like families and businesses are currently doing. No new building is necessary! The one building for safety argument does not make any sense.

John Snyder comments:

John and Barbara Baronett comments: WE do not need a new school.

Robert Shetler comments: I don\\'t understand how they can build this new school without a referendum? Also, how are they possibly going to do this and barely raise our taxes. Something is missing. I hear that several debts are/will be paid off soon, but how does that cover loans of this size?

xxxxxxxx comments:

xxxxxxxx comments: In today\\'s times this new school is totally unnecessary. I would rather they spend time and money on improving the curriculum versus removing a building that is fine.

Renee Tyner comments:

xxxxxxxx comments:

James Egan comments:

xxxxxxxx comments:

xxxxxxxx comments: It should be voted on.

David Neilan comments: Money on education not on buildings.

Roberta H Neilan comments: Use those millions on what goes on inside the buiding.

C E Williams comments: My family\\'s home on Eastview Road was built in 1964, about the same time as Bethel High. No one is tearing down homes on Eastview Rd for being \\"too old\\".

xxxxxxxx comments: I am a Bethel Park resident and I oppose an increase in taxes and the building of a new high school.

ANTHONY B. GERACI comments: I assume the school board can read! Don\\'t they see how the democrats are bankrupting the country. We can\\'t afford another ,000,000.00 of debt. And when does a goverment estimate ever come in on budget.

Robert & Delores Kirchner comments:

Nancy Spragg comments:

Richard Allen Spragg comments:

Tomas D comments:

Robert and Detella Ray comments:

Robert Dougher comments:

xxxxxxxx comments: Let\\'s renovate...not rebuild

Nora Bondi comments:

xxxxxxxx comments: This should be up to the tax payers. Save Bethel Park High School

xxxxxxxx comments: Do you tear a house down that is the same age as the high school? This is an absurd waste of money....and especially for Senior Citizens!!

eileen weaver comments:

Katie Hogue comments:

Samuel W. Page comments: An expensive new building will not guarantee an improvement in the quality of education. For 1/3 of the price of this project they could cover all or most of the walkways so students could travel between buildings not exposed to rain. All the buildings could be made more energy efficient installing double sets of doors at all entrances, update heating and cooling, possibly solar technology in some instances(which would also provide valuable education for our students about some energy alternatives and how they work. Security could be improved utilizing fiber optic video. Improved fencing along the back of the buildings along Sherwood. What if these renovations last 20 years without spending all that money? I\\'m sure there are many more ideas that could improve our school without spending 100 million. Quality teachers and curriculum will produce a well rounded, well educated student and young adult who will be prepared to take on any university or the real world more than a fancy building will. Keep our priorities in the right order, and if not, have a referendum vote and let the residents decide.

Jason Davis comments: I felt that because of the set up of high school it helped prepare you for college. Large campuses are going to make you walk outside and track dirt, water, snow all through the buildings. Why not just add that to one more thing the high school will prepare you for?

Doug DeMarzi comments: Remodel, recycle!

Janis DeMarzi comments: GO for IT!! Thanks!

Bonny M. comments: SAVE BETHEL HIGH! NO VOTE NO SCHOOL!

xxxxxxxx comments: we commend you for your effort.

xxxxxxxx comments:

Joanne Langford comments:

Dan Pauley comments: Put it to a vote.

xxxxxxxx comments:

Sadie Kiggins comments:

Darren Weaver comments: People love going outside in between classes, and jsut because there will be one building does not mean it will be safer

Tracy L Weiss comments: I want to see a community vote on this construction project.

xxxxxxxx comments:

Ryan Glover comments: Having been through highschool in that outdoor campus, kids actually like it!

Danielle (Fontana) Becker comments: I loved the outdoor campus setting, it would be ashame to loose it.

HANNAH! comments: i think they should just renivate the buildings. it gives every1 a break from being stuck inside all day!

Elizabeth Ansell comments:

Robert W. Dickey III comments: No more unnecessary spending, especially at the cost of our current students\\' education and timely graduation.

xxxxxxxx comments:

Michele Kowalski comments: It should be voted on

KENNY comments:

gary r. allen comments: there is not a thing wrong with the school as it stands. why can the board spend millions of OUR money without our approval??

Shawn Riley comments:

Michael Garfold comments: As a tax payer of Bethel Park I believe we cannot afford the new high school. Let us condsider the next generation of tax payers. Do we wish to burden them too?

Jill Garfold comments: I do not believe we need another high school building. The one we have is just fine. We also do not need to tax the residents like myself anymore than we already have.

Pete Sielski comments:

Bill Watson comments: The property values in Bethel Park will plummet as massive amounts of people attempt to sell their homes and move out of this already over-taxed municipality. And with the already crippled real estate market, no one will be buying in Bethel Park. A move like this in this ecomony is LUDICROUS! As a 20+ year resident of Bethel Park, I am considering moving if this goes through.

Gerald Venditti comments:

xxxxxxxx comments: In this time of people losing their jobs, don\\'t do something that will raise our taxes. The teacher\\'s contracts are up next year, use the money to improve the education. You can make a nice new building, but putting the same \\"education\\" in it will not change the fact that Bethel Park didn\\'t win any awards like UPC or Mt. Lebo.

Diane Hull comments: I had 3 children graduate from Bethel, and they all loved the campus.

Christine Wittman comments:

rosalie comments: SAVE BPHS!!!!

Arlene Desimone comments:

Donna Howe comments:

Patty Yaworski comments:

Doug Lindsay comments: It would be a shame to lose something that was so special to so many people. Think long and hard before you make this decision.

Jonathan Kaczanoski comments:

xxxxxxxx comments:

Sandy Riley comments: Loved going to a compus style school!

xxxxxxxx comments: I think that a campus environment was a huge advantage when I went to college. Why spend the money on something that will be inferior to the student experience. I hope that those making the decision will end up keeping the campus.

xxxxxxxx comments: \\"If its not broke don\\'t fix it\\"

Lisa Holzhauser Judkins comments: Class of \\'78- I am hoping that you will carefully take into consideration the opinions of the individuals who have signed this petition and that ultimately you will make a decision to keep the campus style setting we all loved.

Michael Wozetek comments:

zach comments: the open campus gives a unique high school experience to our students, without it i fear this district will lose part of its identity

william waterman comments: we do not want to be taxed out of our home

xxxxxxxx comments:

Brian Johnston comments: Campus high school was the best experience ever.

xxxxxxxx comments: As a teacher and former student of BPHS, I feel that the campus setup is what is best for the students for too mant reasons to comment on.

joerusnak comments:

Sean Sullivan comments: I am adamently opposed to the building of a new school without a referendum.

gypsygirl comments:

rose comments:

Mike Krisfalusi comments: Place issue on referendum

Anthony J. Gaetano Jr comments: New school is not needed

Lee A. Van Sickle comments: New school -NO! New school board - YES!

Christina comments: There is no need for new school.

Rosemarie H. Koerth comments: Put this to a voter referendum!

Lori VanSickle-Barr comments: Sad,sad,sad

Gracie Moody comments:

xxxxxxxx comments:

Jeff Hufnagel comments: Class of 1989 - Leave the campus the way it is! As other\\'s have already pointed out, it is very unique and other districts wish they had a campus style atmosphere.

Shelby (Keener) Ballini comments: This is totally unnecessary. As a 1990 graduate, this campus afforded students the chance to experience a campus forum, similar to college campus. In addition the fresh air between classes is important. Note the current state of the economy and respect our environment. Renovate, do not change the campus.

Judy and George Keener comments: We have had 3 daughters graduate from BP High and they loved the campus experience. Didn\\'t we just renovate a few years back?? We feel the money would be better spent (if at all) on equipment, teachers and educational aids, not a structure that seems just fine...How old is Mt. Lebanon High School, the #1 school district in PA??

sandra dzon comments:

David Harton comments:

Jeffrey Stewart comments: This is not an appropriate time for such a large financial undertaking. A school building does not improve your education. A curriculum represents a good school system. Spend money to improve the present school. Stop competing with the outlying school districts.!!!

xxxxxxxx comments:

Kristen Harton comments: We need to have a right to vote on such a large expense. In such a poor economy, we should think of the taxpayers. A new building does not mean a better education.

jeri kiggins comments:

George D. Gordon comments:

carolyn krisfalusi comments:

MARK ZAMULE comments: DON\\'T WASTE OUR HARD EARNED MONEY

Tim Ferenchik comments:

Vincent Wesling comments:

xxxxxxxx comments: I am a 1996 graduate and truly loved the campus style of the current school. I would hate to see this changed.

xxxxxxxx comments:

xxxxxxxx comments: Let the taxpayers vote.

Linda A. Ollis comments: save our highschool

xxxxxxxx comments: let us vote

michele waterman comments:

Virginia Tipping Machak comments: Bethel High School is unique in its layout and offers students the opportunity to be in a campus-like envronment, one similar to what many students will experience on college campuses. It is a POSITIVE experience for students to go outside between classes, to get fresh air and to even let off some steam from their frustrations. The decision to build a new high school should be put to a vote of the registered voters in Bethel Park. It is a travesty that this has not happened already-- and that the school board can make such a huge decision which will impact the residents of the community for decades to come. It was not that many years ago that the high school was renovated, at considerable cost. It is NOT the buildings that count but the quality of the education that occurs inside them. I am a graduate of the high school as are my two daughters. We have all become successful in our chosen careers because of the EDUCATION at Bethel Park High School, and the campus-like structure made the transition to college SO MUCH EASIER. Renovate/refurbish what needs to be done, which can be done well for far less cost to the taxpayers. The school board needs to WAKE UP and see the reality of the current economic times. Even as they say that Bethel is in the \\"best financial shape ever,\\" it doesn\\'t mean that monies need to be spent unnecessarily. Get back to the most important issue of EDUCATING students, and create a legacy of EXCELLENCE in EDUCATION for the school district. People will move here in droves if that comes to fruition.

pierce tully comments:

Casey Schneider comments: I am a 1997 graduate of BPHS. I cannot believe they would even try to tear down such a unique campus style school. The campus totally prepared us for college. Please don\\'t change the school. This style of school makes us stand out from the rest!

xxxxxxxx comments:

kristina Krajci comments: I am a 1996 Bethel graduate, I loved our campus high school then and I love it now. I have a son and always dreamed of the day that he would be able to go to the same camus high school I went to. I would hate to see that not happen. Another thing, I remember when I was in high school, we hardly had any fights. I truely believe it was because we got to go outside and get into the fresh air. In a one building school, sudents don\\'t get to do that....and more often then not fights seem to break out. I think getting outside helps fights to not happen. SAVE THE C

louise zawojski comments: my son graduated from this school and loved the outdoor campus

Gina Brandi comments:

Fran Molter comments:

xxxxxxxx comments:

Holly Dibrell comments:

katie conley comments:

Courtney Peteya-Woods comments: I attended BPHS from 93-97. It was great going to a school with a campus feel. Dont destroy the communities history, educational system & all the fond memories created for all the decades of students that attended.

MARTY BRANDALICK comments: 100 millon could easily fix what ever ails the existing school

Lisa Clarke comments: Save our school! BPHS has a unique campus and I would be so sad to see it go.

peter w jancar comments: I\\'m 82 years old lived here 41 years bethel school board has ran this school district how ever they wished with no reguard to the citizens I am retired and on a fixed income which I believe are a great many of bethels residents when does the greed of this school board end there must be a hellva kick back for them to stay on year after year with no salary.

Mildred Luchini comments:

xxxxxxxx comments:

xxxxxxxx comments: I graduated in \\'97 and the school was jsut about brand new then thanks to the renovations. I cannot imagine that it now needs to be replaced. Even when my hair froze in the winter after swimming in gym class and even after I walked through mud as the renovations were going on, I appreciated that I went to a campus-style high school.

Debi B. comments: Is there anything that’s not dismissed as expendable?! Nearly 50 years of classes have graduated from this campus. There is such a unique and valuable history there, in the classrooms, the music and sports facilities, and on the campus itself. Why not work to preserve, rather than replace, that? We need to see the current, campus-style high school as the asset to the community that it is, before it is too late. This School Board has completely lost sight of what best serves the residents and students of BP (both present and former). There is no question that, with the right vision, the current campus can be renovated to accommodate today’s needs, while maintaining its historical integrity. Demonstrating that this campus and its buildings can be preserved and kept viable, and that the process of doing so is well-worth the effort, may be one of the school’s greatest lessons.

xxxxxxxx comments: I Graduated from Bethel and I was so proud of the campus-do not build a big block building!!!!

xxxxxxxx comments: WE NEED A NEW SCHOOL BOARD- THIS ONE IS CRAZY! WE DON\\'T NEED A NEW HIGH SCOOL-WHAT ARE YOU MORONS THINKING???? LET THE PEOPLE WHO WILL HAVE TO PAY FOR THIS VOTE!!!! STOP THIS INSANITY NOW!!!!

xxxxxxxx comments: I am SICK at the thought of Bethel Park building a new school!! I did not graduate from Bethel but we were so jealous of the kids who had the \\"campus\\" high school. Now that I live in Bethel I am sooooo happy that my 4 children had this experience and they NEVER complained that they went outside between classes! They LOVED it!!! DO NOT TAKE THIS AWAY FROM BETHEL!!!! On top of that, WE CAN NOT AFFORD TO DO THIS!!!!!! We will move if this goes thru!!!! WHO DECIDED THIS WAS NECESSARY????? Our children would not want to go to a high school that is one huge ugly building with windows that don\\'t open-talk about the HUGE terrorist risk! It would only take one person to put something into the air filteration system!!!! WHAT ARE YOU PEOPLE THINKING????? We are SOOOO against this whole idea of a new school and all the costs which we ALL know will double before it is done!!!! If this goes thru, we will move-we will not be able to live in Bethel anymore and that is such a shame because we were proud of our community but we are so sad that a few people want to be big shots and have their names on a plaque. WE HAVE A SAY ON WHAT GOES ON IN OUR COMMUNITY!! STOP THIS NOW AND DO REPAIRS ON THE SCHOOL WE HAVE- no one will ever convince me that it is cheaper to build a new school instead of doing the repairs on the one we love and are proud of! Please don\\'t force us to move, because we will have no choice- we will not be able to afford to live here anymore.

MICHAEL BRANDI comments: there are other things that $$ can be spent on the building doesn\\'t make better teachers or better students taxes are high enough as well as everything else in the world

Ryan Preisinger comments:

Michele Preisinger comments:

Jim Preisinger comments:

joanne rustad comments: It is a great enviroment for the kids!

xxxxxxxx comments:

Gretchen Hoffman comments:

xxxxxxxx comments: Bp high school is very unique. it prepared me for a college campus. don\\'t waste our money on a new high school

Joan Zimmerman comments:

Ron Zimmerman comments:

Robert Morgan comments: save the present school

Patrick & Lynda Payne Herbertson\ \'79 comments: The taxpayers need to have a say. It is not economically feasible at this time.

xxxxxxxx comments:

xxxxxxxx comments: My house is 50 years old there\\'s nothing wrong with it. My children graduated from BPHS they said the old school has NOTHING WRONG with it. The way the economy is the Board should be looking at ways to help the tax payers instead of hurting every one young and old.

barbara krummert comments: Spending all that money in this economy is a waste of money. I\\'m an educator and know a building does not make for a better education.

HAROLD F KAYSER comments:

Paul and Vivian Miller comments: Immediately halt all construction related activities. This SHOULD be placed on a referrendum. We as citizens of Bethel Park have the RIGHT to decide if a new school is wanted. To go forward with building this school and raising our already high taxes, you are violating our rights.

xxxxxxxx comments:

xxxxxxxx comments: Let\\'s put the high school upgrade to a vote in the November election. If it\\'s approved, then let\\'s proceed.

xxxxxxxx comments: This is the most retarded decision I have ever read. I think I would rather have an escalator to nowhere as seen on The Simpsons.

Rick Valentine / `70 comments: Stop the madness!

Pamela Huwalt comments:

Timothy Cook comments: The money could be spent on TEACHING students, instead of fancy buildings. We don\\'t have to be like Upper St. Clair.

Lynne Hyatt comments:

David DeHaven comments:

xxxxxxxx comments: Even during good economic times, this would be a waste of money.

Jennifer Valentino comments: Thank you a thousandfold for making this petition. I think the idea to raze the campus and build a cube breaks the insanity barrier.

Serena Valentino comments: I love the school as a campus!

Alexa Kostelnik comments: This is a sad waste of money, time, and effort, not to mention the fact that the campus style so unique to the area is worth preserving!

Jay Augenstein \'68 comments: The campus was always enjoyable and the fresh air between classes was a welcome break and refreshing.

Inga Hyatt comments: I do not see how the School Board can justify this absurd project, especially in light of these difficult economic times. There is absolutely nothing wrong with the existing structure. That money would be better spent EDUCATING children!

Paul & Laura Rupcic comments: Complete waste of tax payer $$$. Unneeded and unwanted venue!!

steve lopilato comments: why replace a 40-year-old building? Completely unnecessary.

jeanne lopilato comments: there are many senior citizens in bethel park, and we are facing two years of no social security increase. Our medicare premiums will surely go up, and this is a very bad time to raise the school tax.

Claudia B. Klos comments: This should definitely go to a vote by the residents of Bethel Park. The high school does need renovated but not rebuilt.

Don Adler comments: Enough is enough.

Carol Miller comments:

xxxxxxxx comments: I\\'ve had three children graduate from the existing high school and all have received and excellent education.

Sharon Skolnicki comments: A building does not educate a child.

xxxxxxxx comments:

Deanne McClintock comments:

Amy Butterworth comments:

xxxxxxxx comments:

xxxxxxxx comments: Need the right to vote

Shawn Berry comments: We don\\'t need a tax increase on a school that appears to be in good shape. Our money would be better spent cleaning up the rampant drug activity in the community.

xxxxxxxx comments:

David M. Griffith comments:

Mark Kirschner comments:

xxxxxxxx comments: There should be a referendum! 0 million is a lot of money. The tax payer should have a choice.

David Knight-{Snake} comments: With all of the history that I myself have in memory in regards to Bethel Park High School, I can only imagine what the walls could say if they could talk, but I am not nor have I ever been among the Alumni of this historic institution...I have, however been blessed to be a part of its history...In 1986 I became a member of a Band that was established by three of its members, and along with that small group of talented individuals from Bethel Park High School I was blessed to be set on a road that has since become my own personal Avenue into all things artistic and altruistic in regards to a pursuant carrier in the fields of Art and Entertainment...Upon hearing about the decision to tear down the School I felt that I should, at the very least, voice my opinion...Were it not for the Arts program at Bethel park High School troughout th 1980\\'s I myself might not be where I am Today, for not only did that department alone set me on the road to becoming the artist that I am today, in reflection I relize that some of the best relationships {as well as memories} in my life, were started there and in further regard to those relationships most of which are still ongoing, I can only say that I am Blessed to have aquired them, and I ademently disagree with the closing of this School...It was ahead of its time in those days of its youth and it is still a far better institution than most...Renovate it...Remodel it...KEEP IT OPEN...Do not let Progress deny the future of such a wonderfully complexed arena for the development and growth of future generations...

josephine niedbala comments: rally for referendum

xxxxxxxx comments: The current high school campus is more than adequate for the school district\\'s needs, and the cost for the new school is totally out of proportion to the benefits. Currently Bethel Park is a surprisingly good deal tax-wise. This project, which will cost vastly more than the estimated 0M (they always do), will end us raising the tax bill and making Bethel Park a less-attractive place to live.

Roger Valentine comments:

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Amy Hofbauer comments:

Petrice Bruder comments:

Thomas Bergendahl comments:

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Michael camper comments: do not build this school

George Coholich comments: If the M renovations of 12 years ago were fraught with errors, does any Bethel Park taxpayer believe our current schoolboard (which includes members from 12 years ago) can REALLY do a good job of spending over 0M? How about this alternative: focus instead on achieving academic excellence. Our schoolboard should build a legacy of putting Bethel Park students ahead of the rest of the world; a legacy which will far outlast any building. These would be taxpayer dollars well spent, not squandered.

xxxxxxxx comments:

bernie mackowiak comments: everyone has to realize that this new school will end up costing the taxpayers far more than the 100 million dollars that the board said. They are only capping it at 100 million so a vote the Bethel community can\\'t take place. Who wants to pay an extra 00 a year in taxes, not me, besides the board doesn\\'t have a good argument to how this new school will benefit the kids.

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Amy Leber comments:

xxxxxxxx comments: A new high school building is not needed, can\\'t be justified, and will hurt Bethel Park taxpayers.

Joseph L. Bartolotta comments: WASTE OF MONEY!!! i slept through most of school and skipped most of my senior year... yet i graduated with a 4.0 maybe you should spend money on some educating the children, dummies!

xxxxxxxx comments: The best part of BPHS was the campus atmosphere. Please don\\'t take that away!

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Mike comments: I am AGAINST the building of a new high school building.

Denise Hoffman comments:

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Reed David comments: It\\'s been said that replacing BPHS is a bad idea because of the economy. Actually, it would be a bad idea even if we were paving the streets with gold. If the school needs to be better maintained, then do so. If one or more buildings is/are in need of work, then do that work. If it needs another renovation, then give it one and correct the mistakes that were made the last time. But don’t tear it down and build a new school! It’s unnecessary, it will cost too much (especially compared to the other options I’ve mentioned), and nobody wants it! Save Bethel Park High School! Sincerely, Reed David, Class of 1998

carol knorr comments:

Barbara Smith comments: Save our campus!

Kelsey Ryan comments:

Kyle Miller comments:

greg knorr comments:

Rush David comments: Based on the format of the Top 10 Lists on \\"The Late Show with David Letterman.\\" All of this is true and applies to the high school indicated.

Adam Menzies comments:

Karl Ireton comments:

Joy Yeager comments:

Charles M. Rieck comments:

xxxxxxxx comments: Listen to the people -- we do NOT want a new school. We cannot afford any more taxes on us. Our money does not grow on trees.

Sue Cole comments: No higher taxes

Felicia Yuhasz Rieck comments:

Ken Podlesnik comments:

xxxxxxxx comments: In these economic times, the school board needs to be more prudent with taxpayer money. A quality education is not earned by a multi million dollar building. There are many poorer school districts in the state without state of the art facilities that have higher achievement and SAT scores. THE BOARD NEEDS TO STOP WASTING TAXPAYER MONEY AND BECOME ACCOUNTABLE!!

xxxxxxxx comments:

Dianne McElhone comments:

Joanna Metzler comments: Wife of John Metzler BPHS Class of 1998

John Metzler comments: BPHS Class of 1998...

AMY (STEMNOCK)RUSSELL comments: leave it to bethel to waste money fix the schools repairs and worry more about the kids education quality and get rid of the dead beat teachers and work on getting better equiptment to educate our kids dont waste another dime on more building that will ultimately end up empty or put more taxes on a way over taxed town! i am sure no one in bethel wants to pay yet more taxes for what a waste of our taxepayer dollars this town is really getting to damn snobby i thought we were nothing like st.clair and we sure are trying to keep up with the joneses! why why why????? dont waste our money anymore save the school and just fix what needs fixed and by god put the air conditioning in like those buildings were originally built for my dad did a lot of electrical work up there and thats one thing he never understood why we kids were sweatin when those buildings were all designed state of the art back then for ac and campus style! THIS TOWN HONESTLY MAKES ME SICK ANYMORE ITS TURNED INTO A PATHETIC SNOBERY OF JAGOFFS LETS SPEND MORE MON EY AND HIKE BETHELS TAXES EVEN MORE NO WONDER EVERYONE IS MOVING AWAY! WHAT HAPPENED TO A TOWN OF NICE PEOPLE THAT WERE NICE TO EACHOTHER AND NOT MEAN! MY GRANDFATHER AND GREAT UNCLE AND PROBABLY MY DAD ARE ROLLING OVER IN THIER GRAVES BECAUSE THE TOWN THEY BUILT IS NOW A PATHETIC DIGRACE!

xxxxxxxx comments: We really don\\'t need a new high school at this time and not the expensive one that is being proposed.

tom corbett comments:

xxxxxxxx comments:

LYNN S. FASTUCA comments: IMMEDIATELY HALT ALL CONSTRUCTION RELATED ACTIVITES FOR BP HIGH SCHOOL

Lee J Cure comments:

david budd comments:

Sue Miller comments: I would just like a vote to show what our community really wants.

xxxxxxxx comments: \\"Class of 1974\\" With class sizes back then of 800 students per grade we did not outgrow the school. School size is cut in half how do we not have enought room?? Safety issues? How will you get students out of one building down all the flights of stairs the new school willl have. Saftey campus? Wheter you have an open campus or not you always have the threat of another Columbine. New school? In todays economy when taxpayers are struggling to keep their own homes and save for college education building a new school is totally unacceptable! Unique? Yes, campus syle school gave you a sense of freedom throughtout the day and also memories of having a wet head in the winter walking from the pool to the bottom of building 4 (which is now building 2)! SAVE BETHEL PARK HIGH SCHOOL!

Robert G. Behers comments: The existing school is adequate

xxxxxxxx comments: Hope this helps get it through

xxxxxxxx comments: I hope this helps

Daniel G. Kowalski comments: How on earth does the schoolboard expect to pay for a 0,000,000.00 school?!?!?!! They\\'re essentially asking every man, woman and child to pay 00 for this thing when there\\'s a perfectly good school there already which was renovated a mere 12 years ago when i went there. This is a gigantic waste of taxpayer money and the people who passed this should be ashamed and voted out of office come next election.

xxxxxxxx comments:

lenore thomas comments:

Craig Kizina comments:

Bernadette Flavin comments: Not 0 million when our beloved campus is still so viable!!!!

xxxxxxxx comments:

Naomi DeVries Pomerantz comments: It was extensively updated and remodeled ten years ago!

Richard DiAdamo comments:

Catherine J. DiAdamo comments:

Mary C. Jones comments: In these hard economic times, I can\\'t the school board is even considering building a new high school. On what planet do they live?

david wargo comments:

David and Anne Graham comments: Keeping up with the Jones\\' is not a valid reason to spend money for a new school. A new high school is not necessary.

Sheryl Eichenlaub comments:

JOHN & ROBERTA HOELLE comments: We are not in favor of a new high school building. It is a frivilous waste of taxpayers money. How dare you think that the taxpayers will stand by and take this....If any of you are running for re-election on May 19th, we will be voting you out.

David Hanau comments: I am petitioning the Bethel Park school to cease and desist any further attempt on their part to building a new High School and tearing down the present day High School.

kim sylvis comments: save

Bryan Rudolph comments: Spend less money and SAVE our UNIQUE Campus High School!

Judy Perry comments:

xxxxxxxx comments: I graduated from Bethel Park in 1972 and I loved the campus layout of the school. It really sets the highschool apart from all the other clones.

Matt Kiesling comments:

Michael Mursch comments: I saw the plans for the new school. Is this what you get for 100 mil? I\\'m not very impressed. I\\'m not sure why you can\\'t just renovate what is already there. Colleges do it all the time. If you must build a new school, please make it something that makes BP stand out.

Patricia Condre comments:

Megan McPherson comments:

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Mary Rigatti comments:

Lisa Walsh comments: I don\\'t think this is a good idea, espcially given our economic climate

Jennifer Strzyz comments: Obviously the open campus design is not the preferred style for saftey concerns. The money proposed to build a new school could be better served by rennovating the existing high school, adding more security and putting it towards the education of the students. It\\'s not the building that determines the degree of education the students receive, it\\'s the quality of the personnel. That money could be better spent for an investment in our childrens\\' futures.

Janet Fraley comments:

Debbie Boyle comments:

Margaret Huff comments: Supplementing my letter published in the Almanac on August 14, 2008, and my letter to Mr. Matthew Howard, Board Secretary, on March 5, 2009, I want to repeat my sentiments of that time, about the School Board\\'s, and Superintendent\\'s, complete disregard for the economic hardship to the BP taxpayers. Since those letters were written, more has come to light about the actual plight of US taxpayers, our biggest banks in danger of failing, the automakers who built our economic structure, in bankruptcy, thousands more people out of work, this project becomes more foolhardy by the day! It is a sinful waste of resources and money to destroy our still usuable school buildings and replace them with one closed-in four-story firetrap (?) built with today\\'s largely inferior construction materials. This may not be evident to Dr. Knight in his 0,000 + perks ivory tower, but I do not understand the board members themselves, who can be foreclosed just as easily as the rest of us. I have been paying taxes to Bethel Park School District for 49 years, the first 18 of which I had children in the schools, but the past 31 have been a donation, which I was always happy to make, I liked our schools! But the arrogance of this current Board, their complete disregard for taxpayers\\' opinions, and mostly, their contempt for the very senior citizens who built this Municipality, is beyond belief. They seem so sure that we will be replaced by a lot of younger rich people who will knock themselves out trying to buy our houses and displace us. But you know what? Those companies making thousands of layoffs do not employ old people! It is the young people and their families who are being disregarded in this recession, even as our School Board and Administration disregards us! Maybe you are too busy going to meetings and hatching troublemaking plans to read your newspapers or listen to the news on TV! And the most laughable part of the projection is the amount they are counting on having reimbursed by the State! Who do they think will fund the State? Who will, indeed, fund all the states when China finally decides there is no profitability in investing in U. S. bonds??? Wake up, listen to the voice of the people. be thankful for the beautiful 8-building campus school we already have, repair and maintain it frugally, and while you\\'re at it, teach the students to spell!

Don Anderson comments: I\\'m a 1953 graduate of BHS. I taught at the Senior High Campus for 28 years. I served on BP School Board during the last renovation. Destroying the current senior high, and replacing it with a 0 million-plus replacement, is an irresponsible waste of tax dollars. Upgrade mechanicals (heating, AC, electrical, computers and technology, make certain that annual preventative maintenance is performed, take care of what\\'s already in place, and set aside the expensive, very disruptive replacement idea. Good education is implementing and adhering to good educational goals with high quality, competitive teaching staff and administration. Central Catholic, Shadyside Academy, Sewickley Academy and other small, private schools, continue to do extraordinary things with private dollars. Let us be proud of what we are and what we have, and be more frugal with our tax dollars in a down economy. I have already heard rumblings about families that will leave Bethel Park\\'s tax billings for other communities if this passes. When the economy is down, the tax base is threatened with lost jobs and failing businesses, and families will have to leave the community, who will be left to pay off these bond issues?

Robert McKnight comments: I believe that qualty education is not determined by buildings. Over 90 percent of BPHS students will be attending college in a campus setting. What\\'s wrong with a campus high school? If the buildings are worn out after a million update, what determines poor maintenance will improve in a new high school? The school board is too insulated from the community and the economy we are enduring today!

Donald Ratkiewicz comments:

Sue Ripper comments:

Sue Beardsley comments:

Vincent Curletta comments: Refer to Referendum

xxxxxxxx comments:

xxxxxxxx comments: While I do think that eventually we may need a new high school, now is not the time to be wasting our tax dollars. I believe that one of the biggest reasons for wanting to build this new school is to compete with USC. We are not USC, so who cares what type of school they have. If the district just would\\'ve maintained the school we wouldn\\'t have this problem.

xxxxxxxx comments: I believe that Bethel Park does need a new high school, however I am vehemently opposed to the one proposed. In no way is it educationally pragmatic or advantageous to spend 0 million on a school that has a gym that sits 2000 people but not enough classrooms for all the teachers. The administration needs to realize this is a SCHOOL, not a YMCA.

Kristina Gualazzi comments:

xxxxxxxx comments: I am currently a Freshman at BPHS and I can\\'t say how frusterating it is to hear that all this is going to happen to our school, and WE DON\\'T EVEN HAVE A SAY IN IT! Save Bethel Park High School! Our campus is what makes us unique - sure, rainy days are terrible sometimes, but we love our campus! Also, if those reasons aren\\'t good enough, hardly anyone has the extra money for a new high school, especially when our current one would be perfectly fine with just a few small repairs.

xxxxxxxx comments: I\\'m a \\'92 grad and a resident of Bethel and loved the campus style school we need to update and maintain what we already have not demolish and build new.

Shane Johnson comments:

Bob MacDonald comments:

Ronna Wasik comments: NO NEW SCHOOL, they dont NEED it!

Tara Mey comments:

xxxxxxxx comments:

Patrick Fruscello Jr comments:

Karen Fruscello comments:

Richard E. Kraft comments: Count me back in again

Bob Criss comments:

francesco battista comments:

Brian Spurbeck comments:

Mary Ernst comments:

BEV ROUSSEL comments:

xxxxxxxx comments: Love the campus!! Quit wasting our hard earned tax money!!!!

Jennifer Opferman comments:

Veronica Rigatti comments:

Melissa Brown comments:

xxxxxxxx comments: With a new high school, and all the money that it is going to cost, it\\'s going to be hard for any of us to go on vacation.

Jake Louda comments:

xxxxxxxx comments:

Tony Ratkiewicz comments:

xxxxxxxx comments: Obviously this school board is out of touch with the state of the economy today. How can they justify a new school when many of the people of Bethel Park have lost their jobs, had their hours & wages cut, & lets not forget the many senior citizens that are on a fixed income. When every one is cutting back, this school board is deciding all by themselves to put us all in the poor house. If you want to have a school system that excels, put the money into the cirriculum. Let\\'s vote on this - it\\'s too important!!

David Lahickey comments: We cant afford it !!

xxxxxxxx comments: The community just can\\'t afford this investment during this economy!

xxxxxxxx comments:

James Pippi comments:

Chris Ollio comments:

Stephanie Santora comments:

xxxxxxxx comments:

Jill Johnson comments:

Allison Rowland comments:

Julia Sullivan comments: Keep the campus

Katie Cain comments: Save BPHS!

Kevin Quinn comments:

Charles Hancock comments: Now is not the time to spend money we don\\'t have.

Amy Evans comments:

xxxxxxxx comments:

Robert Karabetsos comments:

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Eric Mulvihill comments: The campus environment is unique to Bethel and Building a new school will be a tragic waste of money.

xxxxxxxx comments:

Lauren Moran comments:

Eli Zini comments: 12 years ago they wasted our tax money \\"improving\\" the school. the job was shotty work at best, poorly done, and did not fix the problems. now they are trying to waste our money again and build a new school, inevitably raising taxes. the Campus style is a great set up for Bethel Park. Please use the money to restore the existing buildings and campus layout. the new school will cost 100 million, and it will be at least 200 million after all the overruns. use half that and restore the existing campus.

Carolyn Rodgers comments:

Andy Jack comments: The condition of the school when I graduated last year was absolutely terrible... I am signing this in hopes that they fix the many problems they\\'ve let get out of hand in past years because of plans for building a new school. I go to RMU, just last year they renovated 3 of the older dorm buildings(I lived in one of them) and they turned out great. The University boasted how much money they saved by renovating rather than demolishing and building new dorms.

xxxxxxxx comments:

Edward Underwood Sr. comments:

xxxxxxxx comments: I am on a very low income and I cannot afford another penny on taxes. There is nothing wrong with the high school now. More kids are going to cyber school due to the drugs up there. Bullying is terrible. You are making people move out of Bethel if you go thru with this plan.

Jarred Pegg comments:

Brandon Kosky comments:

Danielle Gratton comments:

Nancy Gastel comments:

Pete Wasson comments:

Charles Koch comments:

Callie Hanau comments:

Daniel Baldauff comments:

Marian Costello comments:

Lynne Miller comments:

steve sodini comments: Currently the second biggest (potential) waste of taxpayers money in Western PA, behind the North Shore Extension...and we all know how well that project has stayed on budget...it\\'s time for either a referendum or a new school board with some fiscal responsibility

Ruth Mueller comments:

xxxxxxxx comments: We need a voice in such large decisions.

carol dougher comments:

Deborah Vaupel comments: I agree we should keep the perfectly effective and good condition current school

John E. Walton comments: Quit trying to be Mt. Lebanon or Upper St. Clair. Fix what we have.

Allie Hutton comments: The campus environment is a great preparation for college - BPHS is unique, and should stay that way :)

shelly ozkan comments:

Paul M. Levy comments: Wrong move in these economic times

Traci Bown Keesee comments:

xxxxxxxx comments: For that kind of money, the current layout could be modernized.

xxxxxxxx comments:

Raymond Malsch comments:

dara gualtieri comments: daranicole22@hotmail.com

xxxxxxxx comments:

Richard Nelson comments:

Audrey Nelson comments:

xxxxxxxx comments:

tom kowalski comments:

xxxxxxxx comments:

xxxxxxxx comments: It\\'s our tax dollars, don\\'t we have a vote?

xxxxxxxx comments:

George comments: THe campus layout made me much more prepared for college than students who went to single building campuses.

xxxxxxxx comments:

Alex Storino comments:

Erin Robinson comments:

harry holmquist comments:

Debbie Natali comments: There is always going to be something better, be happy with what you have.

Shelley Niccolai comments:

Elizabeth B. Seifert comments:

Judy Stinson comments:

wendymurphy comments:

patricia thomas comments:

Heather Litzenburger comments:

Thomas Kerin comments: Neither the municipal board or the school board in Bethel Park seem to care what the residents want. Remember when they built Bladerunners. No one cared about the people whose property bordered it. The same when Best Buy was built! A long time ago when Oaktree Park was developed the residents on my part of Sherwood Rd. were asked what they thought of a pavillion being built there. All said no, they did not want it, my parents were specially against it as it would be right behind their property. And so today I have a pavilion 25-30 feet from my property line where I have to put up with a lot of noise and loss of privacy. In this town we all pay for what ever small group has on their agenda. This petition drive is a good thing, but I fear it\\'s too little too late. If so many are against it I have to ask, where were you at the meetings. Why didn\\'t I read all yopur letters in the Almanac and Post-Gazette. I hope it can be stopped but I really think it was a done deal the evening someone had a get together to welcome Dr. Knight. I hope I\\'m wrong!

Stephen Santa comments:

Stephanie Nies comments: My Dad went to this school and I did years and years later and we had a lot of the same teachers... The campus was rebuilt when he was there and it was remodeled the year before I got there. I say keep the campus but make some upgrades. Have the best of both worlds mixing some old with new, but please don\\'t completely rebuild it! BPHS FOR LIFE!

Nancy Niccolai comments: Put it to a vote? Like we voted NO for Millennium Park and got it anyway?

Edward Prada comments:

xxxxxxxx comments:

R. William Eder comments:

xxxxxxxx comments: My kids have loved the uniqueness of the campus and I feel it has better prepared them for college by having a campus that is similar to a college setting

Donna Lee Dunbar comments: My son graduated from BPHS in \\'07 and said the present school is fine.

Donald E. McLaughliln comments: This is not the right time to be building a new school.

Meghan Davies comments:

Patricia A. Schramm comments:

Bob Nolin comments:

Jackie Hawn comments:

R. John Hawn comments:

xxxxxxxx comments:

carolyn l smith comments:

xxxxxxxx comments: The pay for aides is .00 and .50. Another glich.

Jason Hardy comments:

George F. Wasson comments:

Laurel Karanza comments: This is not the time to spend money that does not need to be spent. The current high school is less than 50 years old and in these economic times and with so many Bethel Park residents losing their jobs, expenditures should be limited to only absolutely necessary renovations. It is not the time to place additional financial stress on us. Please consider those residents who are struggling now and don\\'t need to take on an additional tax burden.

xxxxxxxx comments:

xxxxxxxx comments: Our kids are sharing textbooks and paper is rationed out to the teachers and school offices. Substitute aides are being paid .00 and .50/hr. How could you even think of spending millions on a new high school just to keep up with the Jones??? Now is NOT the time.

xxxxxxxx comments:

Joe Hannan comments: joe@compudok.com

Michael Matus Sr comments:

Cynthia Wanee comments:

Patricia Hertz comments: In these economic times and with so many Bethel Park residents losing their jobs, let\\'s not spend money that doesn\\'t need to be spent. With the economy improves, then reevaluate the decision. Please consider those residents who are struggling now and don\\'t need to take on an additional tax burden.

John Barringer comments:

Sarah Tonetti comments: We don\\'t need a new school.

xxxxxxxx comments:

William Flowers comments: STOP this absurd waste of taxpayers money. give the people who\\'s money you are attempting to steal, a chance to vote on your dream not ours. People say the Feds are spending and wasting money, put yourselves in the same catagory!

xxxxxxxx comments:

Gretel Johnson comments:

xxxxxxxx comments:

Melanie Tepper comments: I think the new school is totally unnecessary!

xxxxxxxx comments:

Leo Houston comments: a project that costs this much should be put to a vote of the peoploe who will have to pay for it.

xxxxxxxx comments:

xxxxxxxx comments: i think that building a new high school is pointless. It will raise our taxes and there is absolutly no point. I like our high school. It is unique. I\\'d rather fix our high school by updating textbooks, bathrooms, cafeteria, auditorium, etc. We could also add more greenery to the high school. If we are walking outside, we are getting fresh and and it takes more time to get to the classes which gets our heart going to keep us healthy. Save Bethel Park High School! It doesnt matter how the school looks, it matters about the education

Eric Dodds comments: Graduated there in 1976. This place will be a landmark if left alone. School Board is nuts!!!!

dorothy r. hucke comments:

xxxxxxxx comments: Briefly the new high school will be obsolete before it\\'s payed for, then what will the district do?

H Michael Korb JR comments: It\\'s amazing that the initial estimate is just under the State limit. Wonder what the cost will be when coonstruction starts.

Anthony Mayne comments: Thanks to the organizer of this web site

marlene gillenberger comments: against new school

RUDY BOFF JR comments: SAVE THIS CAMPUS

xxxxxxxx comments: Our school is the thing that makes us different from other neighboring school districts. The class rooms are going to be smaller, so the teachers do not even like this idea. They are ruining everything nice that there ever was about this community. The only thing the school board is thinking about is what the other communities think instead of us and I know other communities think that our campus style is awesome!

xxxxxxxx comments: i\\'m currently a student at bethel and i think tearing down the campus is a terrible idea. that campus only needs a little touching up. and if they tear it down, there probably won\\'t be senior slave day or anything else. it\\'s unique, and tearing it down will only make it like every other high school. now, they have some of the kids painting the bathrooms, and that shows what we can put into the high school and making it our school. spending all that money really isn\\'t worth it.

xxxxxxxx comments: If I ever earn/win a great deal of money, I will donate a large sum to the school on the condition that all of the staircases are named after me.

xxxxxxxx comments: the board spent taxpayer funds to fight in court what is not a board perogative.

xxxxxxxx comments:

Suzanne Bauer comments:

Jill Graves comments: Put it to a vote.

xxxxxxxx comments:

Marie Schafer comments: I graduated from Bethel High shcookl back in the 70\\'s and at that time the open style college campus was very uniques for a high school campus. why not restore and preserve the structure that is already there? The smoke stack is incredible and is a longstanding landmark in Bethel Park that can be seen for miles away and should not be destroyed.

Gloria and James Monfredi comments:

James Monfredi comments: Our campus is unique and fine the way it is

Joseph W. Petrosky comments: halt construction!

THOMAS KERRIGAN comments: COSTS ARE GOING WAY TOO HIGH

Alvin C. & Linda M. Sullivan comments: We want to School Board to put a referendum on the ballot so the taxpayers can vote on this.

Celeste Paulick comments: The school looks like it is very good condition to me. I don\\'t understand why they want to waste money on this. It\\'s a beautiful campus. The smoke stack is amazing.

C Fuchs comments: In the 45 yrs of living in bethel park, we have built new hs and middle schools. lincoln elem. neil armstrong and washington school, We have remodeled these schools at least once if not twice. I think its time to stop this craziness. The board thinks they have an open check book, at the expense of the residents. This has to stop.

Robert G Fuchs comments:

M. Faust comments:

Cassie Krulikowski comments:

xxxxxxxx comments:

Steve Anderson comments: Bethel Park spent around million 12 to 15 years ago on High School renovations (including the gym/pool expansion, now just a few years down the road the district wants to throw that all away.

Dan Buckley comments: the bethel park high school campus is a tradition that goes back to my parents, it was something i valued and moreoever felt a sense of distinctiveness, i understand the need to modernize, however, the school is not lacking as the school board makes it out to be, today is actually my last day of freshman year in college and the education i have received from bethel park far exceeds students knowledge from other schools, building a new school is completely unnecessary at this time, adjustments are inevitable but the school board should reconsider their options and not destroy the reputation, uniqueness, and character of the campus that the students and residents of bethel park reflect

Anna Steffenauer comments:

xxxxxxxx comments:

xxxxxxxx comments: I love our school. It would be a shame and a waste to build a new one.

James Dillinger comments: BPHS Class of 71. The campus of BPHS is a real life prep for students to enter college. I think the positives of the campus far outweigh the negatives. Yes I had swimming 1st period in January and then had to trudge to building 1 for second period and I live to tell about it! As a taxpayer I would like to see a comparison of building new vs another renovation. I would hope this project isn\\'t just a \\"keep up with the Jones\\". When faced with such a huge expediture during poor economic times taxpayers should have the ability to vote for such a project.

Carolyn Siatkosky comments: Are we really expected to believe that ALL the failures of our educational system in this town, county, and country lies in (how old a school building is?) It has nothing to do with providing children with the tools they need? HA! Spending millions of taxpayers dollars on a new building to house the same STUFF we need to educate our children will make our teachers more effective and our children much smarter!? OH BOY! Tell me another one!!!

Sydney Litzenburger comments:

xxxxxxxx comments:

CINDY EGGERT comments: LIFELONG RESIDENT OF BETHEL PARK AND 1979 GRADUATE OF BPHS. I AM 100% AGAINST CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW HIGH SCHOOL.

xxxxxxxx comments: I do not want a new school to be built. I really like the campus, it gives us a chance to go outside during the day. It also gives us the experience to switfch buildings for each class. I do believe doing that it gets the students ready for college. Yes, each student complains about it, but once they graduate they say that they really like the campus.

Joseph Tedorski comments:

xxxxxxxx comments: Taxpayers need to vote on this project

xxxxxxxx comments: Showing our \\"campus\\" to friends from other areas gives me an enormous sense of pride. Take these funds and put them towards improving the technology that is both used and tought, to new extracurricular programs, to promote health/wellness in students, or to increase the talent pool of educators through new hires and continuing traning for existing teachers.

audrey E. faessel comments: You could build a cover over the walkways for safety as well as protection from the weather. It would be a lot cheaper. We cannot afford a new high school. Don\\' make the same mistakes that were made when this school was built.

William Happoldt comments: We don\\'t need higher taxes

Donald R. Graves comments: One could say there are BP students yet to be born who will bear the burden of this expenditure; probably for the duration should they become lifetime residents. Throwing money at education hasn\\'t made a dent in the quality of learning across the nation. Why don\\'t all the residents get a chance to vote? What does the school board fear? Even our \\'messiah in chief\\' has advised some belt-tightening will be in order--after spending all the money we have. Take note school board; NO NEW SCHOOL.

John Homer comments: BPHS Class of 1988 - This is just another reason my wife and I are looking to move to USC. Nice job BP School Board. Keep up the good work!

C. Maxwell comments: Let the residents decide if a new high school is needed

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Daniel F. Ruffing comments: B.P. Voters should have some say in this decision

jim hirsh comments: Non need for aa new school. Who\\'s getting a kickback here? What we really need is to take away the power of school boards and teachers unions. They have a strangleholds on us tax payers throats. This has to stop.

Diana Krucik comments: The school is fine. I don\\'t need higher taxes just because they want a prettier one!

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robert kubiak comments: needs to be voted on

James F Roche comments: There is no need to aquire such a financial burden on the citizens of Bethel Park to build a new High School

xxxxxxxx comments: Keep Bethel Park HIgh School the Way it is !

Missy Shields DalBon comments: I love BPHA campus and would never want it to change! We are mving back to Bethel just to raise our children there, and want them to have the same wonderful experiece that we had...including that unique campus! Fond memories!!

Marlene Sontheimer comments:

xxxxxxxx comments: in this economy, is a new school really necessary?

xxxxxxxx comments:

Michael and Crystal Baux comments: BPHS is a great experience that everyone in Bethel should have. And with this depression is a \\"NEW\\" school worth the families in Bethel paying higher taxes...Just because?!?!? No. Leave it the way it is!!!

Dave Reagan comments: class of 1978, the last thing Bethel needs is irresponsible spending.

Colin Jones comments: This is a waste of MY tax dollars. The only thing that will improve education is getting parents involved and holding our effete teachers accountable

Dax Kramer comments:

Jake Kramer comments:

Bella Kramer comments:

Edward Kramer comments:

Lisa Kramer comments:

Kalyn Kramer comments:

Zach Bert comments:

xxxxxxxx comments: In this economic environment and with Allegheny County announcing it must reassess all properties, how can the school district consider such an expense? Those that are voting for the new school (including our fine school board,) are you that safe and secure that your jobs will not be eliminated or you will not be let go and that you can afford to pay for this for many years to come. Many of the very students the school district claims will benefit from this new school will never get to enjoy it if their parents can\\'t afford to stay in this area. This needs to be shelved for a time when unemployment isn\\'t this bad and we are on more secure footing. This alone gives me good reason to move from Bethel Park if I can only sell my house for anywhere near what it is worth. Enough is enough. Leave it to Bethel to wait until people are losing their jobs left and right and the market is in the tank to push something so ridiculous through. I see nothing but an increase in Sheriff\\'s sales in BP.

xxxxxxxx comments: I work for a school district and have personally seen the waste of money by the school board. The new building will cost more than estimated when complete. Poor quality materials will be used to get the building built in the allotted dollar amount. After the building is up and running poor quality materials will need replaced with what should have been there to begin with. The building of a new school should have been put out to the public for a vote before anyone started dreaming of this new building. If the current buildings are in such bad shape we need to ask the board why this is. Has the board deferred maintenance in the past to cut costs? Why did the district renovate years ago only to left the buildings fall into disrepair. Who authorized previous additions and renovations that are now in need of replacing?

Christian P. Bert comments:

xxxxxxxx comments: I do not believe that Bethel Park needs a new high shcool especially in these times of depression.

Jeanine Geisler comments:

Guy Phillips comments:

Taylor Doyle comments: Really wasn\\'t all that terrible to attend last year....

xxxxxxxx comments: Please do not deceive us; put this to a vote by all registered voters in BP!

DENNIS BADGER comments:

Scott Bacvinskas comments:

xxxxxxxx comments:

Michael Howley comments: I graduated from BP last year, and witnessed firsthand the student reaction to the proposed building. Ignoring for a second the money issue, consider what is being offered. An entirely isolated Freshman class. Low-level class upperclassmen being forced to attend class with said freshmen. No additional classrooms. No added security benenfit - one building doesn\\'t prevent school shootings or trespassers. The list goes on.

Melissa Williams comments: What did they spend 50 million plus that was put into the school not that long ago? Enough with the ball fields! Is this a sports complex or a school???

xxxxxxxx comments:

xxxxxxxx comments: WASTE OF MONEY

Marie V Meyer comments:

Olivia Meyer comments:

xxxxxxxx comments: The high school we have now is just fine. There is no point in spending 100,000 dollars on a new school. That would be money not well spent!

John Battersby comments: School Board/District needs a reality check

Marisa DeLuca comments: Our high school is not only one of the best, but the most unique. Students love the high school and seeing all of those memories torn down would be a disaster in itself.

Matt comments: The campus is unique and different. I like it better than being lept indoors all day. The fact that it will cost about 200 million only adds to my opinion

kate collins comments: let\\'s use the money for learning tools, our environment is fine

xxxxxxxx comments:

Robert and Leslie Rudat comments: Please do not build this new high school. The current economic conditions do not support such an extravagant project.

Sandra Reynolds comments: Please modify the existing school and avoid increased tax burdens on Bethel residents.

PETER CARNEY comments:

Stacey Hudson comments: Let\\'s the people\\'s voices be heard. It\\'s the right thing to do.

Jeffrey Ballock comments: Has anyone on the school board seen the status of the economy?

Debra Geisler comments: Put it to the taxpayers for a vote.

Alex Shiff comments:

Sue Trozzo comments: Too expensive AND bad timing....we are going to drive more people (especially the retired elderly, who don\\'t want to, and cant\\' afford to pay for this) out of Bethel if it goes through!!! Why was this never on the referendum? Why has it flown under the radar for so long? This is NOT the time to incur a HUGE debt for BP....everyone knows that the stated construction costs always end up even higher than projected! Put it to a vote....after all, we do still live in a democracy, don\\'t we?

Shannon Trozzo comments: I think that building this new highschool has absolutely no positives whatsoever. Every student at this school loves our campus even when you hear people complaining about the cold or snow, they really wouldnt know what to do without it. Having a campus is what makes Bethel Park school different and I, for one, love it.

David Dickey comments: I\\'m singing this for a few reasons, but here is the main one. WINDOWS DON\\'T OPEN. Students should not have to be locked in like this.

Christian Kenney comments:

Meghan Dundon comments:

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marilou booth comments:

xxxxxxxx comments: alumni

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Harry Cowen comments:

Kraig Makohus comments:

xxxxxxxx comments: I cannnot believe that Bethel Park is even considering such an expensive project. Have they seen the news? WIth so many families unsure whether they\\'ll have to be laid off a day, pay more for their benefits, etc. The school was renovated only 12 years ago, and the school can be updated again as warranted. To demolish all of that work would be so wasteful in a time when everyone has to cut back on their own needs. Bethel Park may want to be like Baldwin, Upper St. Clair, etc but we do not NEED an entirely new high school constructed. It is greed and envy that has gotten the US in the trouble it is in. I don\\'t want to be like the Jones\\', as they aren\\'t doing so well. Bethel Park should make only the improvements necessary that will keep our children safe. I live within my means as should the community and its leader that represent me should.

Lacey (Wilson) Thomas comments:

Danielle Crichfield comments:

Alexa Shay comments:

Kierstyn Williams comments:

Sam Albanesi comments: Does Bethel Park even have this kind of money? I\\'m sure there are much better places that this money could be spent. Maybe try saving some money up for a few years before even considering a new school. I do like the way our school is built though. The campus is so awesome! I really don\\'t wanna be one of the last classes to graduate from our exsiting high school.

Diana Murawski comments: New school not needed during economic crisis

Devin R comments:

xxxxxxxx comments:

xxxxxxxx comments: Put aside the unique facility that we have. The matter at hand is that we are being expected to put out hundreds of millions of dollars for a project that the school board and administration are set on building. Reading through the comments, I see no mention of the probable 50 million or more dollars of civil work that will need to be done on the soil to prepare the ground for building. This structure is set to be built right on top of the old Coverdale mine. This will require shoring and reinforcing of the ground before a block can be laid. Realistically, we are looking at a project that will end up costing the taxpayers anywhere between 150 and 200 million dollars. This is totally absurd and needs to be stopped NOW!!!

John Kuchma comments: Cookie Cutter. Pfft. We\\'re unique. We\\'re the black hawks. How dare they make us look like another USC or another Mt. Lebanon, ...!

Gina Anderson (Machi) comments: class of \\'00

Mary C. Taylor comments:

George Barr comments: As a sophomore and a hardcore Black Hawks fan, i think that our school is what sets us apart from other schools. I don\\"t know. Schools like, Upper Saint Clair and Mount Lebanon. We are Bethel Park, and the campus makes us what we are. I love the bell and the smoke stack. If anything kids want to be outside more often. Not stuck in a single building.

Bill Taylor comments: All residents of Bethel Park who pay taxes should have a right to vote on spending especially on a substantial epense as this. Instead of paying architects and puting monies towards studies of what should be done by people who have a bunch of degrees and no common sense, invest a portion of the monies into renovations and school security. When a home is old you don\\'t tear it down and rebuild it, you invest money wisely into its structure and stability to preserve what you have. Obviously the school district has an easy solution as to construct a new school being it\\'s not their money. I\\'m 150% behind the stoppage of the project and lets come together and do the responsible thing.

xxxxxxxx comments: Too much money to be spent at this time of economic stress.

Jessica Berry comments: I believe that the campus should not be torn down because this school has a reputation of having a a compus lifestyle. It is suitable to every student and helps them prepare for college. I believe that building a new school will not help with safety issues. If someone wants in the building they are going to get in no matter what. That will cause the whole student body to be in danger instead of just one of the 7 buildings there are now on campus. i only graduated in \\'07 and there were barely any problems besides students acting up. Use the 0 million on fixing up the school and getting nice things for the students, after all this high school is about the students, not their parents or the school board. One question comes to mind about this issue.... will the building of the new school effect the education the students receive?

xxxxxxxx comments:

rebecca rogers comments:

Nate Pepka comments: All this crap about the school bieng too old and all the stuff about metal detectors is just that. Crap. I went to BPHS. Graduated in \\"99, and I turned out just fine. No criminal records or any of that. The campus is beautiful and needs to stay that way. Who do these people think they are that they try to shove this down the people\\'s throat? Making the school one building only serves the purpose of having BP appear to be like USC and such. The last time I checked, BP residents liked being their own people. I\\'m proud of where I went to school. Thanks to that school and a very select group of teachers, I recieved a good education. It\\'s what the STUDENTS put into their own efforts at learning that really determine how well they do. No new building is going to change that. All it WILL do is waste taxpayer money while BP residents are still paying for renovations on the existing school. And those people in USC and Peters Twp who took the time to negatively comment on BPHS should look a little more closely at their kids lockers and see how many of them have drugs and weapons in them. They\\'d be surprised. Metal detectors are a good thing and so would a few police dogs. BPHS is fine the way it is and IF any money needs to be spent on it, the school board should think about paying for some conservative-minded teachers, who don\\'t fill the kids heads with all the libralist crap that they continue to tell the kids is the \\"right\\" way to go. Let the kids make up their own minds, and let them do it IN THE SCHOOL PROVIDED FOR THEM! Thank you.

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Brian Keady comments: Stop the wasteful spending of taxpayer money.

xxxxxxxx comments: It is in the best interest of the taxpayers and students to renovate our highschool instead of building a new school. We are still paying for previous renovations to the highschool. Do you think we should burden the taxpayers with higher taxes for something that is not needed?

David Murawski comments: It\\'s our choice, we should have the options to vote. You have not right to increase taxes without giving us the right to review and decide. Put all your cards on the table.

Raul R. valles comments: the campus and facilities are in very good shape. are the kids any smarter today than 30 years ago? this campus is a very nice campus. me thinks this is a case of keeping up with the joneses

xxxxxxxx comments:

Cyrus Anderson comments: renovate the existing buildings!

xxxxxxxx comments:

xxxxxxxx comments: It is not the right economic condition to move forward with a new school. Also with the looming expiration of our teachers contract how much more can you tax the community. What are they willing to give up at the expense of a new school? Automatic raises? Pay for their health care? Put a referendum on it!

Kristin Koltick comments:

xxxxxxxx comments: Where is the cost/ benefit analysis? What are the goals and objectives that the new school will meet or solve? The auditorium is smaller than the current one. Where is the technology advantages? The open style campus can be much more secure with the recommendations made by t he Technology Advisory Committee made 8 years ago. The fiberoptic systems were installed for the computers with more than double that for security cameras, and internal phone system. It appears that basic maintenance contracts would be a much better use of the tax payer money. Put it on a referrendum.

Kim Middleton comments:

Peter Vetrini comments: The open campus is amazing. I loved walking to class in the nice warm weather.

Matthew Jensen comments: What a bunch of morons!

xxxxxxxx comments: Please put this to a vote!

Alissa Sies comments:

michael lynch comments:

Matthew Lemieux comments:

Jamie Gannon comments:

Mandy (White) Grizzle comments:

Kelly Sobczak comments:

Andrea Peters comments:

xxxxxxxx comments:

Beth Senneway comments: Keep the California Campus so we can share our amazing memories with the children of the future. They should not be cheated! Class of 1999

xxxxxxxx comments:

xxxxxxxx comments: Having the open campus is a great way to prepare for college life...

S.K. comments: Enough is Enough fix the uniques existing campus! Whose going to pay when the population starts moving out?

xxxxxxxx comments:

Deborah Rapp comments:

xxxxxxxx comments: Keep our campus!!

Dan comments: WHy would the campus be changed to a one building prison? Keep the campus. It was the best part of the high school experience.

John Leombruno comments: A \\"campus\\" is one of the things that makes our school unique. Why would we want to change that?

Amy \"Stolze\" DeHaven comments: What a miserable idea.

Gerard R comments: Where does the school plan on getting 100(+) Million? Don\\'t tax me for it, Obama took it all.

E Sussman comments:

Keith Currie comments: Between the cost, the typical shortcuts BP takes, and the great inability to maintain anything properly. To move the majority of the students that are over a 1/4 mile from the main road, to 30 ft from the road in glass walls to me seams a lot less safer.

Janice Currie comments: With a recession this is not the time to be doing this, does the current removal include all the possible hazardous waste material , asbestos , and oil tanks when they level the fields. Do not buy the security issue , Feel a school 30 feet from the road is more of a risk. Feel the campus style highschool is unique i LOVED going there and so does my child. Other local schools have 1 building and things have still happened in the school . KEEP OUR SCHOOL. Doubt new construction can compare and I wonder as costs escalate what cut backs will occur and what department in the school will get shortchanged.

Tom and Mary Ann Dimuzio comments: Thank you for doing this. We are totally against the new builiding. The campus is unique.

Richard Chongaway comments:

Nelson Mascarenhas comments: Class of 2001

Marion Couch comments:

Carolyn Powers comments:

Joshua Spurbeck comments: Class of 2000

xxxxxxxx comments:

xxxxxxxx comments: Let the taxpayers make the decision. Offer an option of renovation and an option for new school then allow the public to decide.

xxxxxxxx comments:

xxxxxxxx comments: Please have the people vote

Aimee Ripley comments:

xxxxxxxx comments: I want to experience the excitement of the open campus that everyone has been telling me about when I go to BPHS next year. And I think it is really lame that they are just trying to compete with USC.

xxxxxxxx comments: Since the school board refuses to quarantee the total cost of the NEW school will not exceed million, we request a referendum on the new school building.

Ralph Kitchen comments: Renovation last time was an incompete

Meghan Schmidt comments: Save the campus!!

Vicki Ober comments: BPHS should definitely stay the way it is. The campus is just so unique. It was so nice to go outside in between classes when I went to school there, and it was something to look forward to. The open campus is almost something to brag about when telling people about the school.

xxxxxxxx comments:

Mary Wozniak comments: 1980 grad love the campus style want my children to experience it too.

chris rooney comments:

xxxxxxxx comments: i love our school and there\\'s no need for a new one!

xxxxxxxx comments:

Erin Collopy comments: The note below was supposed to say \\"two hundred million,\\" not 0 million; somehow it glitched?

Erin Collopy comments: Although I no longer attend Bethel Park High School, I always very much enjoyed the outdoor campus; it gave our school something unique that other schools in the area could not boast, and on a sunny day, nothing brightened moods more than walking outside in between classes. Additionally, at this point in time economically, it is impractical to spend 0 million on new facilities that are not completely necessary.

Hannah Gloeckl comments: I love the campus style!

Brianna Buczkowski comments:

Sarah Schroeder comments: This school means so much to us and all alumni! Please help to save it!

Steve Paoletti comments:

Cathy Eichenlaub-Taylor comments: I graduated from BPHS in 1967.Even today, I think th school is well designed and should only be renovated.

Sarah Currie comments: It is about time we take a stand. This campus is what we are. We need to take a vote! I love this school and i am pround to say i Went to Bethel Park High School. To build this school you would hurt the residents of Bethel Park, by driving the families with younger kids away that we need due to the tax rate. Please Save Our School!!

Andrew Kissel comments:

Brandon Rauch comments: sumthining@yahoo.com

Marissa Benson comments:

xxxxxxxx comments:

Vernon Underwood Jr comments: More spending on future earnings.

Christopher Burke comments: I attended BPHS and loved the campus style. The campus arrangement is the best possible arrangement for young adults. The opportunity to get out of the buildings between classes and get some fresh air was wonderful. It did not matter which season it was or what the weather was. My daughter recently graduated from BPHS. My son will be attending BPHS in a little over a year. Do not deny him the wonderful campus style education that, so many of us who have already graduated feel, made the experience more enjoyable and unique. Individual buildings can be renovated or replaced as necessary, spreading costs out over many years, and adding greater flexibility as times change.

Greg comments: I go to Lebo, but i still support

Colleen Wockley comments:

Denise Mistick comments: I am a 1988 graduate of BP. I found the campus setting to be very helpful in the transition to a college environment. In these trying economic times it would be ridiculous to consider spending for an entirley new school. My vote is to keep the current campus setting. In all honestly, the tax payers of BP should have the final input. A new building does not mean the students will walk away from BP with a better education than they are currently receiving.

xxxxxxxx comments:

xxxxxxxx comments: Stop the construction please

Ronald W. Kragnes comments:

William R. Modrak comments: Cannot justify the casts at this time.

Rebecca Sauer comments:

xxxxxxxx comments:

Jeff Fortier comments: I also feel the residents should at least have some input on large projects funded with our tax dollars.

Courtney Black comments: I am from Class 2002 and I loved the campus experience. It sets Bethel Park aside from the other high schools. I would feel bad for the students who would not get the same experience.

Virginia E. Sauer comments:

xxxxxxxx comments:

Kathleen Fortier comments: I am a former student of the school. I loved the campus. I am also a BP tax payer and I do not think that there is a need to be burdening the tax payers with such an unnecessary and unwanted expense.

Danielle Behanna comments:

xxxxxxxx comments:

John & Veronica Snyder comments: A new school is unnecessary and an unwise project in the current economy. The voters should be permitted to vote.

Phillip Curry comments:

xxxxxxxx comments:

Jeff Duncan comments: The campus is what makes BPHS so unique. I think it attracts people to move to BP. When I bring friends that I have met after graduation to see my HS, they think it is the most amazing thing. It is also a good way to prepare students for college.

xxxxxxxx comments: THERE HAS NOT BEEN ANY ACADEMIC NEED IDENTIFIED THAT WOULD BE SOLVED BY A NEW SCHOOL. THE ONLY PROBLEM SOLVED BY A NEW SCHOOL IS IT PROVIDES A PLACE TO FUNNEL OUR TAX DOLLARS AND ELIMINATE ANY POSSIBILITY OF GETTING THE TAX REDUCTION BETHEL PARK DESERVES.

xxxxxxxx comments:

Jon Buck comments: Save the campus, spare the working taxpayers!

Lori Lukovics Murphy comments: As a 1976 graduate of bethel and also have a son that graduated in 2002 we are opposed to the new school plans. The campus style high school was an advantage to our students as well as great exercise for them. Bethel has always had the edge on other schools in preperation for college life. The money sould be spent renovating what we have and paying teachers the salaries they are worth for molding and teaching our children. There\\'s the important expense.

xxxxxxxx comments: don\\'t need a new school and now is not the time-ECONOMY!!

xxxxxxxx comments:

Robert E. Jones Jr. comments: taxpayers just say NO!

Carrie Mitchell comments:

Marcia Murphy Bastyr comments: I was a graduate of the Class of 74\\'. When questioned even today about where I graduated I NOT ONLY speak highly of the education I had received BUT also about the Campus style experience. I am confident that the style of the campus assisted in the transition to college life.

Susan Headrick comments: let the people vote

xxxxxxxx comments:

Don Baux comments:

xxxxxxxx comments: no more expenditures! no more taxes! let the taxpayers decide!!!

Doug Murphy comments:

Kimberly Reed comments: The campus design of our high school was created to allow high school students to become familiar with the lifestyle of a college campus. A most forward-thinking and dynamic idea at time, and one that has served the students well. To destroy this high school and rebuild something else is unnecessary, a cost burden on the residents, and seems to be politically motivated; a very risky and extravagent waste of money. Such action must be given to a vote by the community.

Sarah(Murphy) Rooney comments: Class of 2001- Bethel Park does not need a new high school! i loved the school the way it is, it is different and unique! Why do we need to spend all that money, especially in these bad economic times!! Not only is the school unique, but it gives the students a feel for what is like to walk around a college campus. Let the Taxpayers vote!!

Mary V. Glasser comments:

Brian Gorges comments: Bring it to a vote. Would you tear down your own house if it needed a little updating?

Joseph M. Glasser sr. comments: kudos

Cindy Coligan comments:

Kristina Coligan comments: I graduated from Bethel Park in 1998, I think the open campus makes Bethel Park High School unique, I think that it should stay the way that it is, there is no reason to spend that amount of money to build a new school when you could make improvements to the existing school.

Connie Kelly comments:

xxxxxxxx comments: Building a new high school in these uncertain economic times is a travesty. Let the people vote. (And should they vote to build, I will promptly start looking for a new home elsewhere.)

xxxxxxxx comments:

Ralph Geisler comments:

xxxxxxxx comments:

Marko Salopek comments: I loved my experience at bethel park high, and it would not have been the same if it were not for the atmosphere that this unique campus creates.

Bruce Murphy comments: Let the People vote.

xxxxxxxx comments: they wasted tax dollars in 1996 with the so called remodel job that made alot of children sick

Jean Matus comments: Need a vote on this.

xxxxxxxx comments:

Albert Jackson comments: I have a lot of data on this project that you should know about.

Bill Gouirand comments:

Paula Gouirand comments: I also believe it should be left for a vote from the Bethel Residence!

xxxxxxxx comments: I\\'m retired, believe me I can\\'t take more taxation.

Nicole comments:

John Levy comments: I went to the Bethel Park High from 1984 to 1988. in 1989, they began the renovation of the football stadium. At the time, tha auditorium was full of asbestos and the gym building could have been condemened. Yet they began with the stadium. Through the 90\\'s, they finally spent millions renovating the school. Now they want to take millions more during a major recession and tear down what whas just rebuilt. It fully shows the stupidity of government. It is alot easier when it is someone elses money you are spending. By the way, I am amazed at how much the renderings look like the new USC High School building. Could that be a sign of why this is being done?

Linda Grandstaff comments: In these the worst of times, people are having trouble paying their bills, taxes, tuitions, and putting food on the table for their families. How can Bethel Park even consider a new high school. Taxes in this community are constantly going up, and with not much notice, I must say! If this goes through, there will no longer be a tax base to fund such foolishness. Be more responsible and look at the big picture.

Robert Shimer comments:

Mary J. Sheridan comments: We do not need more taxes.

Richard Grandstaff comments: You\\'ve got to be kidding!!! A new high school building in these economic times is completely irresponsible!! I assume that someone making this desision will profit or that a relative will profit from this waste of taxpayer\\'s money. We will stop you - we will replace you - we will prosecute you if possible. Get a clue, get a life and get out of Bethel Park. We don\\'t need your kind of idiot around here.

Matthew Howells comments:

Megan Ward-Robinson comments: Keep the campus

xxxxxxxx comments: improve the existing school. Add a building or facilities. Building a new school would be a waste.

Kathleen Howley comments: Our taxes are too high as it is and the population is aging. The BP population should have a say on whether they want a new High School - after all, we\\'d be paying for it. It\\'s our money, let us decide how to spend it!

Ann Cloutier comments: My home is 80+ years old. Old does NOT equal obsolete. If I can live comfortably in such an elderly building, than I\\'m sure Bethel\\'s high school students can learn comfortably in a 50-year-old building. It\\'s wasteful both monetarily and in terms of materials to build a completely new high school.

xxxxxxxx comments: Great idea BP school board. Let\\'s continue to waste our money and drive everyone to Washington County.

D.H. comments: =)

xxxxxxxx comments: save the school

Chuck Petronie comments: Put this issue on the ballot

xxxxxxxx comments: Help save our unique campus style High School it\\'s one of a kind!

Kelley Hartsell comments: Save the school! I loved the campus style school/ please don\\'t take it away from future students!

David A. Jones Jr. comments: A referendum allows the direct participation of the people in the democratic process...how can anyone be against this?

xxxxxxxx comments:

Holly Beech comments: I really hope that we can convince them to keep the campus the way it is. I feel that having an open campus helped in getting from class to class quicker. I know that there is bad congestion in the hallways now, but I can only imagine the congestion if all the buildings where combined into one. Having an open campus also prepared me for my college campus. I was able to navigate my college campus so much easier after learning how to navigate bethel\\'s campus.

xxxxxxxx comments:

Kathy Murphy comments: I think the residents of Bethel Park should be able to decide whether a new school should be built or not. A new building will not make the students learn any better. A new school is not necessary especially when residents will not be able to afford the tax increases.

Steven Zamborsky comments:

xxxxxxxx comments: I like our high school just the way it is. Just going outside makes my day better.

Janet Reith Pacich comments:

Vernon J. McKavic comments: Not justified. School Boards and other political bodies will continue to spend unless we stop them. Thanks for the petition drive.

Lisa Schwerdt comments:

David Jones comments:

xxxxxxxx comments: I am not opposed to a new school - just the way it has been forced on the residents without enough justification.

John Michael III comments: SAVE THE SCHOOL I WENT TO!

william & gail mooney comments: the most expensive option is out of the question. let\\'s look at improvements where they are needed but do not burden the taxpayers with this debt.

Jessica Dominiczak comments: this idea is just a terrible idea. the college campus style was ideal for a typical suburban town. it really stuck out and made the school nique from the rest. it is wrong, unethical and unsentimental to deprive future generations of joy and freedom of the college-style campus we have all come to know and love.

KAREN LAUFER comments:

kenneth schrimm comments:

xxxxxxxx comments:

xxxxxxxx comments: The school was great for the last 30 years, why the change?

xxxxxxxx comments:

Molly Thomas comments: BPHS is a great and unique place to learn and changing it to one building would take away from part of our history and what makes us so special.

Steve Aubele comments: I graduated in from bethel 2008, and i am not going to lie. being able to go outside and get some fresh air inbetween classes is the best part of bethel park high shool.

Christine L. Rauch comments: The Bethel Park Campus was so important to me and alot of my friends. Plus it got us ready for colage. It would be ashame to deprive future students from that oppertunity.

Tricia Burford comments: Spend the money on security for the campus instead of a whole new building if thats your main concern

Stephanie Rigot comments: The new school will be even worse than the current school, not to mention very costly and not needed. The Bethel Park School Board Should Immediatly Stop All New School Plans!!!

Glenn Laufer comments: This is a waste of taxpayer money at this time in our very hurting economy

Jessica Hilf Greenlaw comments: It would be a tradgedy to get rid of the unique campus

Anncarol Miller comments:

robert long comments: It\\'s insulting to taxpayers for the school board to spend this kind of money during a recession!

Alyssa Yukevich comments: I cannot verbalize how preposterous the idea of spending that amount of money on a school is. I graduated in 2008, and loved being outdoors between classes everyday. The fresh air was so beneficial, and the outdoor campus makes BPHS distinguishable from other districts in the South Hills. Take the money and fix what needs fixed, hire new teachers, and pay the exceptional ones that are there a better salary. As an elementary education major, this issue hits even closer to home, that I will potentially one day watch a school board make decisions that I cannot change, despite their effect upon my life. Make the decision and change something at home in Bethel Park now, but in a responsible and fiscally sensitive manner.

xxxxxxxx comments: ARE THE S CHOOL BOARD MEMBERS SO OUT OF TOUCH THAT THEY DO NOT REALIZE WHAT KIND OF ECONOMY WE ARE LIVING UNDER RIGHT NOW?

xxxxxxxx comments:

Bill Balsis comments: This kind of expenditures should be voted on. It is such a shame to destroy the open campus which had a 20million upgrade 12 years ago. Please think of the tax payers.

Stacy Miller comments: The school is perfect the way it is...rehab it!

Rita Melani comments: I agree with this petition wholeheartedly

xxxxxxxx comments:

Deborah Gierczynski comments:

Patty Brickner comments:

JAIME HICKTON comments: I ABSOLUTELY LOVED THE OPEN CAMPUS....CLASS OF 2002!!!!

Katie Donovan comments:

xxxxxxxx comments:

Diane Stanek comments: you can\\'t think of anything else to do with that money?!?! come on now!

Z. Selin Hur comments: Class of 1991

xxxxxxxx comments:

Rebecca Kennedy comments: Every friend that i have talked to loves the school the way it is. If the reason to build a school is for renovations, then just improve the current buildings. I don\\'t want my parents paying over ,000 extra dollars just so me & my sisters can go to a \\"better\\" school. I go to school to get a great education to prepare me for life. After high school i plan on going to college, but if my parents have to pay higher taxes, going to college will become an even larger financial burden. If the school board took a second to think about THOSE effects maybe they would think twice.

Jeanine EatonRoth comments: Keep the school

xxxxxxxx comments: No new School needed

wayne wagner comments:

xxxxxxxx comments:

James Libell comments: This is something that is not necessary, there is nothing wrong with this campus. My kids are looking forward to going to this open campus because of the stories I have told them about my experiences of being a graduate of Bethel High School

Peggy Kravec comments:

Perry Kravec comments: Did we vote on this? Our government is not representing us they are helping themselves. We need this issue to be put on a referendum. No plans to spend that amount of money should be left up to so few people. It should be voted on. PAY DOWN OUR DEBT AND LOWER OUR TAXES. People who move to this area can\\'t believe the high taxes we pay. The Average HOUSEHOLD INCOME (mostly 2 jobs) in Bethel Park is approx. ,000 compare that to what we pay our teachers.

amanda fiedler comments:

mark knefelkamp comments: needs to go to a referendum

Mark Seifert comments:

Jon Selko comments: I loved the campus style high school!

Mary Lynn Baronett comments: Since the TAX PAYERS are the ones who foot the bills, THEY are the ones who should dictate if this sort of thing should be built or not. Anything else is purely a dictatorial move. It is a TOTAL waste of money to build a new building!

Desiree comments:

xxxxxxxx comments: I oppose building a new high school.

james steeb comments: let the people of bp decide

Ryan Lucido comments: It would be a big mistake for the school board to move forward without the support of the township - the teachers are our most important asset and need to be taken care of, not a school that can be fixed for a fraction of the cost of a new school. Many residents will not be able to afford the tax increases and will be forced to move to surrounding townships.

JOHANNA EWING comments:

Robert A Ewing comments: Stop this out of control spending. I do not know about your income, but I am sick and tired of working to pay taxes to you out of control bureaucrats!

Joe Volzer comments:

Marsha S (class of 91) comments: I am an alumni of Bethel Park. I am just shocked that anyone would want to change the most unique feature of Bethel Park High School. I can\\'t tell you how good it felt to walk outside after each class (even in the winter). One friend described the feeling as getting out of jail after going to Independence. I just remember feeling cooped in and being trapped in the middle of fights on this giant ramp at Independence. Once I moved on to the high school it was so open and wonderful. I just wish there was some way to convey what if felt like to each of you. I even had friends from others school tell me how much they wished their school was a campus like Bethel. Please talk to some of the alumni of the school and ask them how important the campus style was to them while they attended. If you wanted to spend money why don\\'t you spend it on improving Bethel\\'s state ranking like Mt. Lebanon? I also wanted to add with the recession this seems like a terrible time to build a new school anyway. It is an expensive project and how often do you hear about cost overruns? I was also considering moving to Bethel so my kids could experience the campus too :(

xxxxxxxx comments: school is fine we need a new one the students will tell everybody we need one but for the next ten years our school is fine

xxxxxxxx comments:

xxxxxxxx comments: Now is not the time for spending and when the time comes it should be on quality of education a new building does not mean that our children will learn more. the focus needs placed on education not status

xxxxxxxx comments:

xxxxxxxx comments: renovate

Kim Magulick comments: residents should have the right to vote

Fraser Gensler comments:

Pete McCracken comments: No new school. Placing yet another tax burden on the citizens of Bethel Park would be financialy irresponsible and downright malignant at this point in time. The district and township have already lost my confidence in their abilities to make sound financial decisions withh their shortsighted financial decisions of the past several years, and now they want to whimsicaly blow a few more tens of millions of dollars that they don\\'t have on a major construction project?

Mark Bauer comments:

Joe Mahr comments: Please keep the campus

carol horney comments:

edward horney comments:

Aaron Card comments: our school is one in a million... every one knows bethel as the crazy school where everyone walks out side freezing our asses off... but thats what we luv about it its unique save our school

xxxxxxxx comments: a new school is completely unnecessary. especially since most of the students don\\'t want it.

kelly Ganley comments:

Fazio comments:

xxxxxxxx comments: We, as those who are paying the tab for this vanity, deserve a referendum. Has anyone brought up the documented correlations between high spending and poor educational quality? Check it out. It is amazing how communities who spend the most on education so often see real declines in test scores. As for the current state of the school; of course no one is making any repairs... how else could they create such a \\"wart\\" on the face of \\"Bethel Pride\\"? Isn\\'t it convenient? Now they have something to complain about. Also, I must ask why walking 100ft. from one building to another is such a hardship for our children, while Mt. Lebanon\\'s children seem to manage much greater distances? Finally, one wonders why anyone would push so hard to get something that the people, if they knew the true costs and lack of tangible gains, would not want. The actual cost to residents is so much higher than is quoted in any of the papers.

Maureen Sperling comments:

xxxxxxxx comments: education is more important than a new scool. this new school is not needed. it is just a want for soem adults. think about us kids for once and what we want. we like thee campus so leave it alone. we are the ones who have to deal with the campus and we love it!! so stop the building proccess.!! save bethel high!!!!

John Locke comments: Let\\'s not find out what a vocal minority can do.

Molly Seng comments: i like the outdoor campus! even in the winter :]

xxxxxxxx comments:

Ronnie Phillips comments:

Kat Bacvinskas comments: It needs fixed, no doubt about that. But the high school defines Bethel Park. It needs to stay.

Jenn Coffey comments:

Todd Schmersal comments:

xxxxxxxx comments: If this is rammed down our collective throats, my family and I will move out of Bethel Park upon the graduation of our youngest child, a junior this year. As Ms. Nerem so eloquently stated (above), I believe most prudent Bethel Park residents would be willing to pay more in taxes if it provided improved educational outcomes. Simply building a McBox high school will not do this!!! We need to spend our money on EDUCATION, not a new building.

James Hickey comments: I graduated in 2003. A new school would be absurd and 100% unessesary!

Jeanne Bennett comments: Let us Vote!

xxxxxxxx comments:

Vincent M. Haas comments:

Beth Parks comments:

xxxxxxxx comments: The campus is so nice during the day even if the weather is bad. We need to keep the campus that makes our school so unique.

Tracy Kerr comments: Keep the campus!!!!!!

April Speranza comments: I don\\'t have confidence that the plans were made by anyone with experience designing schools. I feel that a plan to build a smaller school is foolish & haven\\'t heard how this retangular building is an improvement with less rooms, windows and exits. I am concerned about fire safety of children & the children\\'s distance from the office

Suzanne McCracken Scanlon \'85 comments: Bethel Parks open campus is as unique as the students the high school turns out. Put the money towards books, educational aids, student enrichment. The benifit will be much better than a new building.

Randi Hudson comments: SAVE THE CAMPUS!

xxxxxxxx comments:

Timothy Miller comments: I was out of the ar I moved back to Bethel Park right after the renovation of the high school was completed and was able to see it newly renovated. I now see that the school board is planning to build a new school only 12 years after a major renovation was completed, which did not, but should have included all of the buildings at the time. I have 4 children in the schools and have many occasions to be at the high school for various activities, and I have seen the school fall into disrepair, with no visible effort to make repairs. I feel that improvements have to be made to the school, due to poor maintenance, and what will keep the new school if is built, from suffering the same fate. The timing of this project, or any major undertaking at this time is short sighted and I feel it has been brought about by disinterest for the public trust. The district is in this position is due to the poor stewardship of the publics\\' school buildings and a disregard for the public by going ahead with the most expensive option available without putting the matter to a vote. Bethel Park High School is an excellent school, which consistently produces high academic achievement, has fantastic art and music programs and high achieving sports teams. That there is such a high level of achievement with the current facility, to me is a testament to the staff, students and community at large, and is evidence a new school is not the right thing to do at this time. I SAY RENOVATE!!!

xxxxxxxx comments: Taxes are too high now!

Jackie Nerem comments: I want my tax dollars focused on the QUALITY of the education delivered in Bethel Park, not the facade. A quality education is not a product of the structure in which it is provided. How can anyone justify a school tax that rivals Upper St. Clair or Mt. Lebanon, when the academic programs pale in comparison. Those districts, as well as South Fayette, rank among the top 20 in the state. Bethel ranks 71. I am more than willing to pay for anything that would better educate my children. A new building will not.

paul miller comments: Bethel Park no longer ranks in the top 50 schools in PA, unlike Mt. Lebanon, Upper St. Clair and Peters Twp. Why is that?

Susan McQuiston comments:

Germaine Headrick comments:

Mr. Johnson comments: Where is the Bethel Park Council and Mayor at? They seem to be hiding.

Thomas D. Flavin comments: As a beleficiary of all that Bethel Park High School has to offer, I urge you, particullarly in today\\'s economy, to put the money where it will do the most good: salaries of teachers, administration and staff, to continue academic excellance and commitment, and repairs, maintenance and improvements to the existing layout of the grounds and buildings, and, of course, improved computer and HVAC systems. PS why can\\'t my mother \\"sign\\" this petition, as her own person, from the same e-mail address as my father, simply because he got to the computer first? T. D. Flavin BPHS 2006

Thomas B. Flavin comments: Our son went from being an honors student at BPHS to Deans List with High Honors student at Carnegie Mellon University and last month was accepted into the accelerated Masters in Information Science program, all with so little difficulty in adjusting to the responsibility of higher education, that I am convinced our excellent teachers and administration, AP and core carriculum and most especially CAMPUS LIFE engendered by the current, imaginative, stimulating, physical plant all played essential parts in grooming him for success and happiness. Please do not deprive future generations of this privilige by putting them in a \\"school box\\". No matter how elegant it may be, a containerized high school will never provide the real world analogy provided by our marvelous campus. I would enthusiastically support rudimentary cover, much like a \\"breezeway\\", for some of the major sidewalk connectors and perhaps the central \\"mall\\" walkway. Save Our School!

Jake Landon comments: Our school is extremily unique why would we want to build a new school... and the sciene labs will be cut down from 17 to 5 is this an upgrade?

xxxxxxxx comments:

James Bandi comments: my home is 90 years old and has been remodeled many times ,is the lifespan of our current high school,madefrom the same brick and mortar only 60 years?

Audrey Miller comments: Yay im so happy someone is doing this..i love my highschool the way it is!

Cristina Wecker comments:

xxxxxxxx comments: I am against the building of the new high school. My daughter, a current student, has remarked that she would never want to go to a one building school. She has been prepared for the world outside of high school much better than others. In these trying economic times, when so many of us are losing jobs and wages, why place another tax burden which this WILL undoubtedly be on us? Leave the school alone and if the economic climate changes in the future then revisit. But, for now, I say leave it alone.

xxxxxxxx comments:

Danean Fedor comments:

xxxxxxxx comments: Just a little air each helped with learning. Don\\'t go cookie-cutter school.

xxxxxxxx comments:

xxxxxxxx comments: I think the bethel school board is tryin to compete with the recent Upper St. Clair expansion

Harry Ferguson comments:

lisa stokes comments: i will move out of bethel. i refuse to pay higher taxes because people think a brand new school will educate our children!

mark lacey comments:

xxxxxxxx comments:

xxxxxxxx comments: Jeff we appreciate what you are doing. Keep up the good work.The silent majority in Bethel Park appreciates all that you do!

Leslie C Glikis comments: Big mistake!

Brad Cowen comments: Bethel Park High School is something to be proud of! I graduated there and I feel that saying you graduated Bethel Park High School wouldn\\'t be the same if a New School was built. I loved going there and wouldn\\'t have changed it for the world. OPEN CAMPUS ALL THE WAY!

Frank Strazza comments: I wish the BP council would be realistic as well as considerate of the tax payers. BP doesn\\'t need or want a \\"Pork Barrel\\" & the existing structure should be maintained as long as possible as there are very few like it. Is it really necessary to eliminate the \\"middle class\\" taxpayers in BP???

Tom Tomkins comments: I\\'m so glad someone is getting this organized. If I can help, please let me know. I am asking my high-school aged son to put your blog out to all of his hundreds of facebook friends and ask their parents to sign the petition.

bernard j. kinlan comments: stop this sham NOW

xxxxxxxx comments: totally unnecessary

Paul O\'Brien comments:

susan weis comments: bethel pk school is lucky to have that campus atmosphere.. its cool.. so i agree.. no new school.. just do the renovations..

David Braman comments:

Erin Bandi comments:

xxxxxxxx comments:

xxxxxxxx comments: We don\\'t need higher taxes.

LAURIE HAYES comments: LET THE PEOPLE PAYING THE BILL VOTE!!!

Pamela Cowen comments: A new high school should not even be considered in the time of economic turmoil!

Ray Wagenheim comments:

xxxxxxxx comments: It is wonderful as a campus style high school. So many of us have made out just fine and really loved that we went to a school that was different.

Nik EICHENLAUB comments: I go to school at the highschool, and so will my little brother, and so have all my older brother\\'s. If it aint broke, dont fix it.

xxxxxxxx comments: Taxes are high enough! People losing their jobs or having hours cut and you want to build a new school.

John D. Richards comments: Save BP High School

Lou Buzzi comments:

Barbara Gallagher comments: We tax payers can\\'t afford a Taj Mahal in Bethel

jean hayes comments: I moved back to Bethel so that my children would go to the same highschool I did .I moved from Canon Mac school district where I paid 0.00 in school taxes to Bethel Park where I now pay ,100.00 .I thought it was worth it because I wanted my kids to enjoy the BP campus

Sarah Mateja comments: The building doesn\\'t matter! It is what goes on in it! Fix the inside first (education)!

xxxxxxxx comments:

Ruth Hanley comments: In today\\'s troubled economic times, it is absolutely foolish to undertake this debt.

Glenn Zary 91\' comments: Through my life I have met grauates of Ivy league colleges, who knew bethel park was an outdoor highschool. These same people expressed such envy that I got to go to such a progressive high school. Now the board trying to out do USC and Mt. Lebo, is actuall ceding a competitive advantage to those same districts. Upsetting, vote them out.

Maryann Barner comments:

Kenneth Barner comments:

Scott Barner comments: We already have suffered overruns with this project in the form of legal bills. There will be more overruns to come. The expense is unnecessary and will cause many to make a choice of paying higher taxes or paying their utilities. VERY poor timing.

Reba Hoffman comments: The highschool campus is a new experiance. I don\\'t care if I freeze, I\\'ll just wear a hoodie.

Don Ihrig comments:

Eileen Ihrig comments: I will be retiring in the next few years. The last thing I want is more taxes.

Janice Ostermeyer comments: This is not a good time to spend that amount of money in this economy. All things should wait seniors will be hurt the most all are trying to hold on to there homes not leave them.

xxxxxxxx comments: think it is unnecessary to tear down our school just fix the one we have right for a change

Scott Bown comments:

Melissa Anne Bonta comments:

Connor Nave comments:

John Walton comments:

xxxxxxxx comments:

Adam Andrew (Andy) Ott comments: This new highschool is a change that i nor most of you want. It is exetremely unneeded and too expensive. I\\'d rather freeze in class than have this new high school. 8th grade

Jerry L. Bitner comments: I am definitely against the building a new school especially the option that the board selected. I expressed my views directly to the board in midyear 2008. I have five children that attednded the campus style school and one is now supertindent of a major school in Michigan. If you need any help, please let me know what I can do to help block this iniative.

xxxxxxxx comments:

xxxxxxxx comments: We need to put this kind of spending to a vote. I am a life long resident of BP and a graduate of BPHS. I am very disappointed in our school board for going ahead with this kind of spending.

xxxxxxxx comments:

Douglas Kennedy comments: We were originally told this project would result in little or no tax increase. That is a lie! If this project is cancelled every home owner in Bethel Park will get a tax reduction because there is too much money being collected today! We will finally have a budget surplus that can be returned to the tax payers! But the school board doesn\\'t want you to know that. The fact that the economy is in such a sad state is another reason to curtail spending. Too many people are being layed off, every day expenses are increasing, and these people want to waste OVER 0,000,000 on a new school! Preposterous! What planet are the school board members living on? Do they have any sense of what is happening in this country? And to say that the state is going to help with the cost is just like saying we are going to take the money out of YOUR OTHER POCKET!

Maral Taylor comments:

David Ostermeyer comments: Let the people who voted for the new school ,pay for it, because you know it will be more than 100 million.

Chris Buzzi comments:

xxxxxxxx comments:

Tom Geiger comments:

john m. buzzi comments:

Kim Bittner comments:

Josh Armstrong comments: Let\\'s do what\\'s best for our students and our community.

James D. Rankin comments:

Melanie Friend comments: PLEASE don\\'t let this happen to our lovely campus!!

xxxxxxxx comments:

deborah jones comments:

xxxxxxxx comments: NO NEW SCHOOL!

Patricia Kline comments:

k bandi comments:

xxxxxxxx comments: none

xxxxxxxx comments:

Deborah A. Pesanka comments:

Kenneth P. Pesanka comments:

xxxxxxxx comments: please let the public vote

xxxxxxxx comments: This should require a vote by the public

P. Zuber comments: What\\'s wrong with our high school? Perhaps it\\'s a little bit old but generation have ben through it and were very happy.

xxxxxxxx comments: I want to go to the bethel park campus when i go to high school

xxxxxxxx comments:

vanessa Shrager comments: I don\\'t understand why this is an issue! The community has made it clear that this is not what we need. It is a waste of our limited resources, and the last thing we want is an increase to our taxes!

Katie Losak comments:

Sarah deeb comments: Nobody wants this new school besides the teacher. It needs to be stopped

Emily Russell comments: We could use some renovations but a new school that we cant afford is pointless

Ed Eichenlaub comments: We should upgrade and fine tune our school not build a new one.

xxxxxxxx comments: Much less money could be spent on renovating the current school. Is the school board just dumb or are they naive as to what a financial burden this will be to the citizens of bethel park. Many of these citizens do not have children who will even be attending the school. Just because many surrounding school districts built new schools does not mean that we have to.

Stefany Phelps comments: If they have all this money, why not just fix up the buildings??? We don\\'t want a new high school!!!

Kelly E. Becker comments:

Lisa Brenenborg comments:

xxxxxxxx comments: timing is sooooo off

Kristen Kane comments: While financial woes may sway voters to choose a new school, they need to look at the big picture - building a new school will not only be a financial burden on the community, but it also deprives the community of enjoying one unique and time honored tradition. If the current high school goes...the memories and the true landmark of Bethel go with it. Keep the high school the way it is!

Jimmy Stitt comments: With the economy, now is not an appropriate time to build a new school. In addition the high school is a special campus with a unique atmosphere that provides preperation for those students who plan on attending college. Many people will be forced to move out of Bethel Park because they can not afford the tax increase that will come with this new school. There is nothing wrong with our current campus, as allof the sudents I\\'ve talked to feel the same. Constucting a new school does not make sense when the one we have is perfect.

mike becker comments: Bethel doesn\\'t need a new highschool it\\'s only 50 years old!!!!

Lisa Chambers comments: I am very saddened to hear the campus is to be replaced by a typical high school building. I went to the high school a long time ago and it really prepared me for college. During my three years there I remember several trees being planted for students who tradgically passed away as a living memorial . It would be a shame to dishonor their memory by cutting down those trees. I live in North Carolina now and one winter day on a college visit to WVU my daughter commented that it was too cold to go to college there. I was surprised because it never occurred to me that she would think that would even be a consideration. North Carolina is beautiful and we enjoy very low taxes and a very diverse curriculum. You\\'ll are welcome here! To the School Board I say this, \\" buildings do not teach children, teachers and parents do\\".

Johanna Seese comments: the open campus is really nice for kids that are going to attend college- it prepares them better for an open campus setting.

niki becker comments: you shouldnt trear down the high school there is nothing wrong with it!!!if you were smart you wouldnt put the new high school up!!!!

xxxxxxxx comments: Economic recession anyone? Wait a few years.

xxxxxxxx comments:

Dan Johnston comments: Why is this not up to a vote for what the people of Bethel Park wants.

Amanda Kern comments:

Harry Murtaugh comments: To even consider spending this amount of money in this economic down spin to replace a funtional facility just does not make for good sense or judgement.

xxxxxxxx comments:

Bev Thurner comments:

Eric Englert comments:

Tom Hickey comments: Let the residents vote on it!

Jennifer Gates comments: This is not an appropriate time to be spending this kind of money to replace a still-functional school complex. Also, the campus is such a unique design and should be upgraded rather than destroyed.

Todd Cenci comments: This is not the right time to be increasing peoples taxes. People are having a hard time now paying their taxes. This New School will cause many people to move from bethel due to the fact that they cant afford the tax increases.

Darren Shrager comments: Please sign the petition, and help save the school.

Jeff Becker comments:

Save Bethel Park High School

Save Our High School!

Please Sign Our Petition

Current Petitioners:

School Choice? It’s up to you!