An architect’s rendering of the new school.
An application for construction of a new Catholic school building off Route 116 hasn’t been fully approved yet, but progress has been made and a final verdict may come as soon as next week.
The Planning and Zoning Commission Tuesday night voted unanimously to approve the wetland resolution for the Padre Pio School, the traditional Catholic school a part of the St. Pius X church on Tackora Trail, but decided to wait until next week to discuss a special permit request to build the 7,577-square-foot school and gymnasium facility that would house up to 159 students.
The facilities are in a residential zone, where schools are permitted.
The commission originally received plans early last year and held the first of several public hearings on Oct. 1.
However, unpaid application fees may be hold things up even longer.
“We are working out a payment schedule for the outstanding fees, so that will allow the special permit resolution to be on the agenda for action next Tuesday,” said town planner Betty Brosius.
The school, which has been open for seven years in a basement facility, is looking to expand into a permanent location that will allow for a wider range of education — kindergarten through 12th grade.
“The present constraints of our facility have forced us into consider building options for a permanent school adjacent to the church,” said Pastor Michael Goldade in November. “We have confidence in our establishment that this could work.”
Currently, St. Padre Pio Academy has 50 students in kindergarten through eighth grade, but would like to expand its educational programs and facilities to host high school students.
The expected population of the new school is going to be 70 elementary students, 30 junior high students and 56 high school students, according to the application. Staff will also increase from seven full-time teachers and four part-time workers to 10 full-time employees with six part-time assistants.