Connellsville Area School District Kicks Off Major Infrastructure Modernization Project at District’s Largest Elementary School
Comprehensive upgrades to the learning environment, developed in partnership with OPTERRA, will modernize critical building systems, improve accessibility and safety, and create a new, inclusive playground.
CONNELLSVILLE, Pa., October 22, 2026--The Connellsville Area School District today announced a major infrastructure modernization project at Dunbar Township Elementary School, the district's largest elementary school, in partnership with OPTERRA Energy Services (OPTERRA).
The comprehensive project represents the first major renovation of the school in more than 55 years and takes a holistic approach to addressing the facility's current and future needs. The District and OPTERRA developed an integrated plan that combines long-term infrastructure planning and implementation to modernize the school and create a safer, efficient, and more accessible learning environment for students and staff.
One of the celebratory additions of the project championed by the local community will be the development of a new, inclusive playground designed to provide students with special needs greater access to outdoor play, recreation, and social interaction. This important focus of the project scope was driven by support from Connellsville families, faculty, staff and students for many years. Recognizing the community's long-term support for this addition, District leadership is excited to leverage the upcoming project development to meet the opportunity for expanded recreational access.
The new accessible playground will include comprehensive site preparation and earthwork, safety surfacing systems, inclusive playground equipment, accessible pathways, and security fencing.
"This project is about more than repairing aging infrastructure. It is about taking a comprehensive, long-term look at the needs of the school and creating a plan that supports students, staff, and the community for decades to come," said Mr. Robert Renzi/Board Member Connellsville Area School District. "After nearly 60 years without a major renovation, this project provides an opportunity to address critical infrastructure needs in a coordinated way while also making important investments in accessibility and the student experience."
"At OPTERRA, we are proud to partner with school districts across Pennsylvania to deliver infrastructure solutions that create safer, more efficient, and more inspiring learning environments for students, faculty, and staff," said Courtney Jenkins, CEO of OPTERRA. "We applaud the Connellsville Area School District leadership and community champions who have embraced a holistic vision for this project, ensuring that student-centered educational outcomes remain at the heart of every decision. When schools plan comprehensively – looking holistically at their infrastructure, utility systems, safety, accessibility, and long-term facility needs – we see smarter investments that modernize facilities and strengthen learning environments for generations to come."