Story by Sandy Giordano – Beaver County Radio. Published May 20, 2024 9:23 A.M.

(Hopewell Township, Pa) A community meeting was held at Hopewell High School on Saturday in regards to what can be done due to declining enrollment and buildings in need of renovation or upgrades. The feasibility study done shows the district isn’t fully utilizing capacity at the largest buildings.

DRAW Collective architect Dan Engen was on hand to show the options and projected costs for the buildings. Based on the district’s current enrollment, proposals to reduce the buildings from 5 to 2 or 3 have been made.

Superintendent Dr. Jeff Beltz told Beaver County Radio he thinks most residents understand that something needs to be done with the buildings. He said the actions won’t happen overnight, but with delicate planning , phased timing of projects and targeting lower interest rates, something can be done with the buildings. Charts were available for the residents to see and comments were allowed from residents present and online for last Saturday’s meeting.

Further discussion on the matter will be at the Tuesday, June 11, 2024 school board work session at 7 p.m. in the high school auditorium when another presentation by DRAW will be made, and residents can see and hear what options are available.