Elementary Schools Renovation Project

The playgrounds at Dormont Elementary School and Fred L. Aiken Elementary School are being replaced this summer and will be closed to the public from Monday, June 8, 2026 through approximately Friday, July 10, 2026. 

Additionally, new windows and exterior doors are being installed at Dormont, Aiken, and Myrtle Avenue Elementary Schools beginning this summer. This work will begin at Myrtle Avenue Elementary on Monday, June 8, 2026. The building will remain open, but access to the rear parking lot may be limited. 

This work is part of the first phase of the Elementary Schools Renovation Project - an estimated $35 million renovation of all three elementary schools that will take place over the next several years. 

The playgrounds at Aiken and Dormont Elementary Schools will be remodeled, and new playground equipment and rubber surfacing will be installed. New windows and exterior doors will be installed at all three elementary schools. 

The estimated cost of the work being completed this summer is approximately $4.22 million. 

In May, the Board of School Directors approved the advertisement of bids for Fred L. Aiken, Dormont, and Myrtle Avenue Elementary Schools for roof restoration and building infrastructure improvements. The District expects this work to begin in the spring of 2027. 

At their March meeting, the Keystone Oaks Board of School Directors approved several items related to the Elementary Schools Renovation Project: 

• The Board approved Snider Recreation, Inc. as the contractor to remodel the playground at Fred L. Aiken Elementary School. The cost of the project is $284,493.50 and includes playground equipment, equipment removal and site preparation, rubber playground surfacing, and site restoration/seeding as needed. 
• The Board approved Snider Recreation, Inc. as the contractor to remodel the playground at Dormont Elementary School. The cost of the project is $264,945.00 and includes playground equipment, equipment removal and site preparation, rubber playground surfacing, and site restoration/seeding as needed. 
• The Board hired a Clerk of Works, who will work as a liaison between the Keystone Oaks School District and contractors to ensure that projects remain on schedule and that work is completed in line with approved contracts. 
• The Board approved the advertising of bids for General Construction, HVAC Construction, Electrical Construction, and Fire Protection Construction. 

The Keystone Oaks School District recently participated in a financial review with Moody’s Ratings, a national agency that evaluates the financial health of public organizations. Following this review, Moody’s assigned the district an A1 credit rating, which is considered strong and reflects confidence in the district’s financial management. Moody’s also assigned an A1 rating to the district’s upcoming $35 million General Obligation Bonds (Series 2026). After these bonds are issued, the district will have about $35 million in total debt.

Moody’s noted that the district’s rating is supported by its solid financial position and careful budgeting practices. According to preliminary (unaudited) numbers, Keystone Oaks ended the 2025 fiscal year with a healthy savings balance equal to 23.1% of annual revenue. The district does expect this balance to decrease gradually over the next few years due to rising salary costs and planned use of savings. Under the 2026 budget, the savings balance is projected to be 17.7% of revenue. 

Moody’s also noted several positive trends in the district’s local economy and community. Keystone Oaks is experiencing population growth, average household income levels, and a continued increase in student enrollment. Enrollment has grown from 1,874 students in 2023 to 1,915 students today, and the district anticipates gaining an additional 40 to 90 students over the next five years.

After the new bonds are issued, the district’s long-term financial obligations are expected to remain manageable—not exceeding 180% of annual revenue. The district may consider additional small projects or future borrowing if needed, but these are not expected to place significant strain on its finances.

Moody’s gave the same rating to both the district overall and the new bonds because both are backed by the district’s full commitment to repay its obligations, commonly known as its “full faith and credit” pledge.

At their February meeting, the Board of School Directors approved a resolution for formal action constituting a debt ordinance under the Local Government Unit Debt Act. This authorization permits District Administration to proceed with incurring nonelectoral debt by issuing general obligation bonds in an amount not to exceed $38,000,000. The funds will support the planned elementary school remodeling project.

The District has been debt free since March 2023, when it made the final payment on its last outstanding bond series. This achievement is exceptionally rare among public school districts in Pennsylvania and reflects the Board of School Directors’ continued commitment to strong financial stewardship and service to the community.

The Board of School Directors approved the bid and contract from Walter Mucci Construction Company Inc. for general construction for the exterior improvements to Fred L. Aiken, Dormont, and Myrtle Avenue elementary schools. The contract amount is $3,670,500 and includes the installation of new windows and exterior doors for all three buildings. 

The new windows and exterior doors are the first project for the first phase of the elementary schools building renovation project. The first phase of the project is estimated to cost $15 million and will include: 

• HVAC system upgrades that will improve comfort and air quality
• Roof repairs and new windows to ensure safe and efficient learning environments
• New playground equipment and surfaces at Dormont and Fred L. Aiken Elementary Schools. Myrtle Avenue Elementary’s playground will be renovated at a later date, as that building is expected to undergo other significant changes. 

This work is expected to start in the spring of 2026.

In May 2024, the Keystone Oaks Board of School Directors hired HHSDR Architects/Engineers to complete an architectural study for all three of the District’s elementary schools. Over the course of six months, HHSDR:

• Met with stakeholders to collect input on overall needs and goals for the facilities. 
• Reviewed and analyzed existing facilities, grounds, and structures to document current conditions, determine compliance with building codes, and evaluate facilities based on current educational standards. 
• Made recommendations on suitable renovations needed to accomplish the district’s goals. 

A report outlining the findings was given to District Administrators and the Board of School Directors in January 2025. This report will serve as a roadmap for planning renovations and improvements.