Outstanding Toilet Loan Putting a Financial Drain On The Outdoor Classroom

The executive chairman of board, Richard Jacobs, asked the Upper St. Clair commissioners to forgive an outstanding $47,000 loan balance the organization owes back to the township.

The Outdoor Classroom, previously known as the Regional Environmental Educational Center, purchased two composting toilets in 2005 for $100,000. The toilet system breaks down waste material without a cesspool, septic tank or any impact on a sewer system.

Jacobs said The Outdoor Classroom has paid the township between $10,000 and $11,000 each year since the purchase. He said he would rather see that money be used to improve The Outdoor Classroom facility.

Following Jacobs' presentation during the board of commissioners informational meeting on Tuesday night, commissioner Mark Hamilton suggested waiting to make a decision until the collaborative agreement between the township and The Outdoor Classroom is updated. The current agreement in place was written in 2003 and is now outdated.

The other commissioners agreed with Hamilton. However, commissioner Preston Shimer voiced his support for The Outdoor Classroom's request.

"It is unfair to burden this group of volunteers for a facility that the entire park now uses," Shimer said.

The composting toilets are one of two options for users of the Boyce Mayview Park. The other toilets are located in the .

Although the commissioners did not make a decision about the outstanding toilet loan, The Outdoor Classroom will continue to receive a $50,000 grant from the Regional Asset District (RAD) this fiscal year.

Board members of The Outdoor Classroom are also making it their priority to find funding to hire a full-time executive director. The part-time employees and volunteer board members are looking for someone with the time and energy to raise private funding for the organization. Jacobs said he hopes to hire someone before the end of the year which will help the organization become self-sustaining in the future.

The Outdoor Classroom offers two types of outreach programs. Some are provided for environmental groups, garden groups and students. 

A number of school districts in Allegheny and Washington Counties use the facility for educational purposes, including Upper St. Clair; Bethel Park; Clairton; Mt. Lebanon; South Fayette; Trinity and West Mifflin.

Other programs are paid by attendees. For example, there is a  program available on Friday and an  and a  class available on Saturday.

"Our mission is highlighting the connection between people and the natural world of Southwestern Pennsylvaina," Jacobs said. "It's a mission we take very seriously.

"Kids don't get enough of a chance to be outdoors. I've raised two kids and I have seen that their outdoor experience broadened their creativity and allowed for them to view life objectively."

The Outdoor Classroom is in need of more private donations. Visit their website here and click the donate tab to contribute.