School board approves plan for former school
Trending
The Warren County School District Board unanimously approved Warren County's renovation plan for the former Youngsville Middle High School building, moving the project one step closer to bringing county services and employment opportunities to the Youngsville community.
The plan outlines the first phase of the county's effort to repurpose the former school building, which has been the subject of discussions and planning over the past year. Warren County officials have worked with Larson Karle Architects to evaluate the building and its systems, explore potential partnerships and develop a renovation plan aimed at putting the facility to use for the community.
The initial phase would relocate the county's Department of Human Services, Children and Youth Services and Penn State Extension office into the building.
According to the county's proposal, preliminary drawings identify the major modifications needed to accommodate the planned occupants. Additional heating, ventilation and air conditioning improvements will also be required because of the building's change in occupancy under applicable building codes. Final details for those improvements will be developed during the design process.
The county requested the school board's approval because the existing lease agreement between Warren County and the Warren County School District requires prior district approval for improvements or alterations to the leased property.
"I would like to thank the county for their partnership in working with other members of the Youngsville community to bring about a plan for the former Youngsville Middle High School building that will bring employment to the Youngsville community," Board member John Wortman said at Monday's school board meeting.
He also noted the importance of finding a productive use for the former school rather than allowing the facility to remain unused.
Wortman encouraged fellow board members to support the proposal, saying the plan could benefit the community in several ways.
The board voted unanimously to approve the renovation plan.
With the school board's approval, the Warren County commissioners intend to authorize a resolution at their Wednesday meeting to formally opt into the remaining 24 years of the lease agreement.
If that step moves forward, the county plans to begin the full design process for the first phase, with construction targeted for spring and early 2027. Occupancy is anticipated during the second half of 2027.
County officials also stated discussions are continuing with other potential nonprofit organizations that may be interested in occupying portions of the building.
In its request to the school board, the commissioners expressed appreciation for the district's cooperation and said the project is intended to benefit the county, its partners and the Youngsville community.