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BURGETTSTOWN, Pa. - The Burgettstown Area School District rededicated the Burgettstown Middle/High School during a ceremony Sunday before opening the newly renovated school up to the public.

"This has to be one of the proudest days I've had in the last two years I've been here," said Christopher Wolfson, middle/high school principal, who presided over the ceremony.

Superintendent Deborah Jackson spoke briefly about the project, noting the building was originally constructed after a fire at Union High School, the middle/high school's predecessor, in 1963.

She added that, within the past decade, the nearly 50-year-old school had issues with the mechanical, electrical, plumbing and heating systems, so the district conducted a feasibility study to determine how to best serve the students.

"It (the school) didn't permit us to serve two distinct populations," said Jackson.

Because of the study and part of the renovations, the sixth grade students were moved from the Burgettstown Area Elementary Center to the middle/high school, and the middle school and high school students were given two separate areas, including separate classroom wings and separate cafeterias and gymnasiums, while placing joint resources, such as the library, health and guidance suites and fine arts facilities in the center of the school, where they will be accessible to both groups.

Jackson added that renovations have enabled the school to build new band and chorus areas and a new auditorium.

"We welcome community groups to take advantage," she said, saying the additional space would make the facilities more accessible to the community.

The school's fitness center is now open to the public.

Since the sixth grade classes have been moved to the middle/high school, the elementary center now has additional room for science and special education classes, said Jackson.

"I thank the members of the community for their commitment to academic excellence," she said.

She also thanked Eckles Group, the architectural firm; contractors Jance and Co., RA Finnegan, Pitt Electric and AJ Demor and Sons; construction managers Foreman Programming and Construction; and the skilled workers and craftsmen.

"We have great students who are thrilled that the community would provide them with a great place to learn," she said.

Brian Fritz, Foreman Programming, presented the outstanding contractor award to Interstate Fire Protection.

David Esposito, Eckles Group, presented the building to Michael Krynak, board president, who represented the board and community; Wolfson, who represented the faculty and administration; and Ryann Bartoletti, who represented the students.

U.S. Rep. Tim Murphy, R-Upper St. Clair, also spoke during the ceremony, remarking on the changes in education since the middle/high school had been built. He also spoke about the community's dedication to education.

"It is the work of so many people to do something like this," he said. "This is such a wonderful building for the students, faculty and administration."

(Wallace-Minger can be contacted at swallace@pafocus.com)