Highlands School Board considering repairs to former Fawn Elementary building

The Highlands School Board might spend money on a facelift for the former Fawn Elementary School, but the larger question of what to do with the building still looms.

The board on Monday heard a proposal from Chris Reiser, director of buildings and grounds, who urged action on a leaky roof at the vacant school.

“It’s well beyond its expected service life,” Reiser said. “There are three or four active leaks that need attention. I’d hate to see us end up with a mold problem.”

Renamed the Highlands Support Center, the building was closed in 2019. Following its use as a primary school, it briefly housed the district’s partial hospital program, alternative education, support and intervention rooms and the district’s cyber charter school.

The 30,000-square-foot school sits on nearly 15 acres at 5591 Ridge Road.

According to Allegheny County real estate records, the building and property are assessed at $2.8 million.

The future of the building is unclear. The district made a failed attempt to sell it in 2019, accepting bids of only $500,000 or higher.

“The roof is between 30 and 40 years old,” Reiser said.

“I worry about drainage into the building, and I’d like to keep the leaks at bay so we’re not losing ceiling tile.”

A consultant provided Reiser with preliminary estimates that range from $15,000 to $200,000 for repairs.

Superintendent Monique Mawhinney asked him to have concrete numbers to present at the board’s next meeting at 7 p.m. Monday.

“We need to make a decision because the longer we wait, the worse it’s getting,” Mawhinney said.

“What are we going to do with the building? I suggest we put at least the minimum into it to hold it over so we’re not looking at additional costs next year.”

The building mostly is used as a storage center for district furniture, bulk paper deliveries and other items.

The district hasn’t spent much to make repairs there in recent years, Reiser said. There was a $5,000 repair a couple of years ago.

“My recommendation, considering that the future of the building is uncertain, is to make minimal repairs and spend the lowest amount in the short term,” Reiser said. “It comes down to what you want for the long term.”