Rick Hostetler, supervisor of Buildings and Grounds, told school board members that the high school renovation project is ahead of schedule.

“Our original project completion date was January 2013. Except for a few punch list items, the renovation is now complete and all the construction trailers and equipment are gone,” Hostetler said during the Oct. 15 school board work session

Robert Cochran, director of Business and Operations attributed the favorable news to using a “prime contractor.” That relieved the district from having to deal with legions of subcontractors.

According to Cochran, “The Pennsylvania Department of Education granted the district a waiver and allowed us to use a prime contractor. PDE was concerned this would increase the project cost, however our project will actually be completed under budget.”

School Board member Keith Knauss, the chair of the Finance Committee said, “The high school was my fourth major school renovation/construction project. Unlike the other district project, which included Pocopson Elementary School, there will be no mediation or arbitration issues.  I am very pleased with this good news.”

The work session also had some other favorable budget news.

Cochran said the elimination of 1.5 teaching positions in the elementary schools has not impacted on class size because elementary school enrollment has declined. There are simply fewer students this year.

Cochran added that the district is looking “looking at some revenue initiation opportunities” with Advantage 3, a regional advertising company for the next school year. The firm has experience lining up advertising of school district Web sites and large building assets, such as the high school auditorium, gym and athletic fields.

“There is no cost to the district as Advantage 3 would only be compensated through a percentage of the revenue raised through advertising.”

Other business

• School Board Director Kathleen Do said there are still some tickets available for the Bullying movie, scheduled for 7 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 24 at Painters Crossing.  District residents should contact the school district if they are interested in seeing this movie.

There is also a bullying workshop on Oct. 29 at 6 p.m. in the Unionville High School cafeteria.

• The next board meeting will be 7:30 p.m., Monday Oct. 22 at Unionville Elementary School.