Taxpayers continue to push back against proposed Seneca Valley expansion project
JACKSON TWP — In the aftermath of an extensive Act 34 public hearing last month, taxpayers are continuing to voice their opposition to Seneca Valley School District’s proposed $165 million intermediate high school renovation and performing arts center.
At a work session Monday, Oct. 6, nearly a half dozen residents addressed the district board about the project during the public comment portion, with all of them in agreement the cost to taxpayers at large is too steep a price to pay.
“In my opinion, the performing arts center that is proposed is an unnecessary luxury that we can’t afford and would benefit just a very small number of students,” resident John Zolpa told the board.
If approved, it would be one of the largest infrastructure undertakings in county history, surpassing projects like the Butler VA Health Center ($68 million) and the UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex ($70 million).
The tax impact is estimated to be 11.43 mills, according to Act 34 documents, raising concerns about affordability for those on fixed incomes.
Other residents claimed that outside factors such as the cost of living should dissuade the board from approving such a project.
“We are in very uncertain economic times,” resident Julie Jones said in her remarks. “We have no budget in Pennsylvania. We have all costs of living rising, inflation, the possibility of a recession and a government shutdown. Major spending decisions based on projected income is risky. We have to ask ourselves, ‘Can we truly justify committing this district to such a level of debt right now, especially with additional projects, expansions and renovations planned in the next four to five years?’”
Seneca Valley School Board President Eric DiTullio declined to speak with media at the conclusion of the meeting.
Last month, however, he maintained the proposed renovation is a necessary investment to prepare for the district’s continued growth.
He said the project is supported by multiple demographic studies projecting a steady increase in student enrollment as thousands of new homes are built across the district.
DiTullio noted that since 2021, municipalities within the district have approved nearly 6,000 new housing units, with additional residential development already planned in areas like Jackson Township.
Still, residents continue to question whether a portion of the school’s existing tax base can handle the financial implications in coming years.
“For me, I can handle the tax increase, but I think about that single mother living down the street from me, raising a special-needs child and trying to hold on to her home,” Zelienople resident Jack McMillin told the board. “Think about the hundreds of others like her who are in similar circumstances. Please consider tabling this matter. Return to your offices and, perhaps, consider sharpening your pencils a bit.”
Seneca Valley communications director Ian Hunter on Monday could not provide any additional information on when a possible vote on the project could take place. Under Act 34 guidelines, there is no set deadline for a vote to be held following a mandatory 30-day public comment period. Written comment on the plan is due by Wednesday, Oct. 8.
