Bedford Area SD renovations receive pushpack from board president

BEDFORD COUNTY, Pa. (WTAJ) — During their meeting Tuesday, the Bedford Area School District Board members voted to proceed with the bidding process for school renovations.

However, despite the approval, at the end of the meeting, Board President Colonel Ricky Miller announced that he would be giving another presentation. Superintendent of the Bedford Area School District Paul Ruhlman expressed that even was unaware of Miller’s presentation before the meeting.

“I do my best to provide you with timely information,” Ruhlman said. “I found out about this presentation about 5 minutes before walking into the room this evening.”

During Miller’s 20-minute presentation, he advocated against the renovations that had been discussed since the fall and claimed it would be cheaper to build a new school given current economic trends.

“We’ve had the highest inflation, we’ve had the highest interest rates, highest material costs and persistent material availabilities is a supply chain issue,” Miller said.

Miller’s decision to present after they voted to approve to proceed with the bidding drew considerable pushback from the other members. Some were upset with Miller’s decision to withhold his opinions.

“On the night where we vote, eight other board members voted to proceed with the project, you come up with a grand plan,” one board member said.

Student Board Member, Dominick Albus, also spoke on Miller’s presentation and decision.

“Seeing a board member do this is disheartening. It really is. Such a great thing that you can tell the community wants, as seen at this meeting. There’s a lack of words other than disheartening to see,” Albus said.

The renovations for the school buildings they’re referring to include a number of upgrades to heating and air conditioning systems, classrooms, athletic facility and the school auditorium. Ruhlman added that they have asked architects multiple times whether or not they could afford to build a new school and the answer has always been no.

“It needs a facelift. It’s the right time to do it. We’re fiscally in the right spot to be able to do that,” Ruhlman added.

Ruhlman made his message clear after the presentation was done.

“The community does not want to sell its buildings and move its schools,” Ruhlman added.

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The next school board work session is scheduled for Sept. 6.

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