Get the Facts Here

This Intermediate High School (IHS) construction project is an investment in all our students’ future as well as an investment for our Seneca Valley community. Our new fact sheet outlines key details including the project timeline, feasibility studies, building highlights, benefits of music and arts programming, fiscal responsibility and more. At Seneca Valley, we are committed to transparency, thoughtful planning, and responsible stewardship of resources to ensure our facilities meet the evolving needs of our students, staff and community, while delivering the greatest value to our taxpayers.

SV Fact Sheet 

TIMELINE & PROCESS 

The building project has been developed through a multi-year public process with updates available in past Building & Grounds Committee meetings and School Board agendas. It was planned openly, with community input, stakeholder groups (administrators, teachers and students) and regular public updates throughout each stage. 

The school board set the maximum project spending limit at its August 4 public meeting. It is important to note that this dollar amount is the maximum that the Board has said they will not surpass. These are not actual costs. 

The Act 34 Hearing on September 8 gave the District another opportunity to share openly and publicly why the project is needed.  

The project bids were approved at the school board meeting on Monday, Nov. 10, with a vote of 8-1. 

THE NEED FOR THIS PROJECT 

This project is an investment in all our students’ future as well as an investment for our Seneca Valley community. By modernizing key learning spaces, strengthening safety and efficiency, and creating environments that match the continued excellence of our programs, we’re building a place where students can continue to grow, learn and thrive. 

Feasibility Studies 
As part of our diligent and long-term strategic planning, we have conducted two feasibility studies in the last 10 years across all seven buildings. The full details of those studies can be found on our website HERE.  

Project Highlights 
The new Intermediate High School and Performing Arts Center/Auditorium will deliver: 

• 200,000 sq. ft. of new learning space 

A three-story classroom wing with: 

• 43 classrooms 
• 12 science labs and a biotechnology lab 
• Flexible collaboration areas 
• Modern spaces for theater, orchestra, chorus and band 
• Expanded facilities for special education and life skills programs 
• Renovated gymnasiums, cafeteria and auditorium 
• New outdoor classrooms and improved campus accessibility 
• Enhanced safety and security, energy-efficient systems and design features 
• A 1,600-seat Performing Arts Center/Auditorium that serves students and the entire community for music, theater and events.  

About the Performing Arts Center/Auditorium 
The Performing Arts Center/Auditorium is an important part of the project, but it’s also one of the most misunderstood. While it represents only 18% of the total cost, it plays a vital role in both student learning and community engagement. 

The majority of the construction project focuses on the three-story academic wing that adds classrooms, science labs and collaborative learning spaces. 

The Performing Arts Center/Auditorium will: 

• Serve as daily instructional space for music, band, orchestra and chorus 
• Provide a community hub for events, concerts, and performances for which the district can charge a rental fee 
• Continue to strengthen Seneca Valley’s reputation for excellence in academics and the arts 

Benefits of Music and Arts Programming 

Academic Benefits 

• Higher Test Scores: Research by the Arts Education Partnership and College Board shows that students in performing arts often score higher on standardized tests, including SAT and ACT 
• Increased Engagement: Arts involvement boosts attendance and GPA and reduces dropout rates 
• Cognitive Growth: Performing arts enhance math, memory, problem-solving and executive-functioning skills 

Personal & Social Benefits 

• Confidence & Communication: Builds self-assurance and public-speaking skills 
• Teamwork & Leadership: Students learn to collaborate and lead through ensemble and production work 

 

FUNDING & FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY 

Funding Plan 

• The project will be financed through phased borrowing and gradual, inflation-limited tax increases aligned with the construction timeline. The estimated construction timeline is 5-6 years 
• The District will begin the project with at least $20 million from capital reserve funds (that can only be used for capital improvements) to reduce borrowing and interest costs 

 

Tax Increase Overview 

• Property tax increases are limited by Pennsylvania Law (Act 1 Index (2006), which ties increases to inflation 
• For the 2026–2027 budget year, the legal limitation is 3.5%. Projected increases for the next two years are 3.4% and 3.2% respectively 
• For a home valued at $406,500 (the district median), the projected increase is approximately $11 per month in each of the next three years. Below is a chart so that you can estimate what this might mean for you personally 

 

Examples Based on Estimated Home Value 

Estimated Home Value	2025-26 Taxes	2026-27 Taxes	Monthly Increase	2027-28 Taxes	Monthly Increase	2028-29 Taxes	Monthly Increase
$100,000	$921	$953	$2.66	$985	$2.66	$1,017	$2.66
$250,000	$2,302	$2,382	$6.75	$2,463	$6.75	$2,542	$6.58
$406,500	$3,741	$3,872	$10.91	$4,003	$11.00	$4,131	$10.66
$500,000	$4,603	$4,764	$13.41	$4,926	$13.50	$5,084	$13.16

 

Debt Structure  

• The district currently maintains five bond issues in a wrap-around structure, which stabilizes annual debt payments and avoids large fluctuations 
• New borrowing for construction will be added gradually to align with building phases, minimizing unnecessary interest 
• Bonds will be repaid over 20–30 years, maintaining manageable long-term costs 

Seneca Valley Taxes Compared with Value 
There is a direct correlation to good schools and values of homes. Our school district is rapidly growing, consistently ranked as one of the best in the area and is a desirable destination in the entire region for people looking into a great community with an excellent school system. 

• Largest student body in Butler County: more than 7,500 students 
• Overall A- rating from Niche.com, including A’s in academics, clubs & activities, and college prep 
• Seneca Valley has the fifth-lowest overall property tax rate when comparing 2025–2026 property tax rates (normalized through the Common Level Ratio) to similarly sized districts in Allegheny, Butler, Washington and Westmoreland counties 
• We studied multiple sources, and home values in the region have risen between 4.7% - 7.2% - 8% (subscription required for Pittsburgh Business Times). 
• Throughout much of the District, home values have increased faster than property taxes, meaning the overall tax burden has remained relatively stable compared to property value growth. 

SVSD 10/13/25 

Updated 11/12/25

To learn more, check out our podcast featuring CannonDesign architect Mr. Jeremy Dwyer and Mr. John Pappas from Eckles Construction Services.

Take a look at the building renderings in the gallery below.