Board considers $85,000 sound‑blanket fence to reduce middle‑school chiller noise

The Wissahickon School Board reviewed a planned contract to install a 14‑foot fence fitted with sound‑absorbing blankets around the Middle School chillers as a lower‑cost alternative to a previously proposed masonry wall.

Facilities committee chair Joe (first name used in transcript) told the board the administration examined eight mitigation options after trustees rejected a larger wall. The recommended approach — a 14‑foot fence with acoustic blankets — was presented as an alternative expected to reduce measured sound by an estimated 9–12 decibels. The administration recommended an award not to exceed $85,000 and said the solution should allow work to proceed this summer.

Tim (business administrator) said the blankets’ manufacturer claims a high sound absorption coefficient and that on demonstration videos “you do not hear it now,” though he added the district will test the installation to confirm performance on site. He also noted the fence and blanket solution is less than a quarter of the previously discussed $370,000 wall.

Why it matters: The chiller noise had been a recurring facilities issue and triggered a search for mitigation that both meets township noise requirements and fits the district budget. Trustees said they wanted an effective, timely fix for the coming months while limiting cost.

Next steps: The board will consider a motion to award construction for the fence and blankets at the June 2 meeting. The administration said it will monitor post‑installation noise readings to verify compliance with the township ordinance.