News: Residents approve building new high school

It was a long day for many and a long-awaited end to a pursuit by others.

"The first thing for me was the [implementation of full-day] kindergarten," school board member Margie Barrett said of her beginning days on the board. "The second hill I was willing to die on were the facilities."

On Tuesday, 6,823 voters shuffled in to Upper Dublin's 20 polling locations between the hours of 7 a.m. and 8.p.m., resulting in a 35 percent voter turnout. The referendum passed with a 62.5 to 37.5 percent vote; 4,264 people had voted in favor of building a new $120 million high school to replace the current building, 2,559 voted against it. The cost will be funded by a 15.69 percent Upper Dublin property tax increase.

"I went to school there," 1962 Upper Dublin graduate Chris Kotch said after voting in favor of the new school. "What a dump."

Two wards voted against the new school; Ward 1-2 with a 179-111 count, and Ward 7-2 with a 201-198 vote. Ward 1-3 nearly broke even with a vote of 143-142 in favor of building the new school. Those who voted against the new school voiced their opposition and reasons for voting against it.

"My mom and my aunt both are on fixed income," Upper Dublin resident Rod Vitty said. "And now their taxes are going up."

The new high school, which will be built on the current high school's property, offers reduced student circulation, greater safety, improved heating and cooling systems, expanded science labs, up-to-date technology, an expanded swimming pool facility, enhanced music spaces, enlarged performing arts facilities, additional physical education facilities and an environmentally friendly design that will reduce energy and operating costs, according to the school board. Construction is scheduled to begin in the spring of 2008 and is expected to be completed by the end of the 2011 calendar year. It will be done in phases, and will be rebuilt one section at a time.

"I'm excited not only as a high school principal," Principal Charles Rittenhouse said, "but also as a 1982 Upper Dublin graduate."

After the polls closed, school board members and township residents gathered in the high school cafeteria, eager for the high school-to-be.

"Can we bring some jackhammers in right now?" UD Cause member Adam Warkow asked, laughing.

The results and turnout were widely applauded by those in the cafeteria.

"The political experts said, 'You'll get a 15, maybe 20 percent turnout,'" school board President Michael Paston said. "We said, 'You don't know Upper Dublin.' It just shows that a caring community that cares enough about something will come through."
Others were disappointed with the turnout, having expected more people to vote.

"It's one of those things where you look at the numbers," Warkow said, "and you say, 'I can't believe more people didn't vote.'"

Superintendent Dr. Michael Pladus thanked all who helped in the election.

"This isn't possible without each and every one of you," Pladus said. "It's a great night for Upper Dublin ... It is one [decision] that future generations will thank you for."

Now school board members and supportive residents are looking forward to the school's future.

"As good as Upper Dublin's yesterdays have been," Pladus said, "its tomorrows will be even better thanks to you."

The school board has scheduled a special work session to discuss the new school in the Upper Dublin High School cafeteria March 26 at 7 p.m. For more information on the new school, visit www.udsd.org.