York County outlines progress and next steps on Bruton, Taft and field upgrades

York County School Division leaders presented status updates on multiple capital projects and said they will adjust scopes to stay within budget while prioritizing energy efficiency and instructional space improvements. The briefing identified near-complete work at Bruton High School, a solicitation for a geothermal wellfield at Taft High School, progress on an astroturf installation and auditorium upgrades in several schools.

The update came during the board work session on March 10, 2025. Mark Sherhart, the associate director for capital plans, reviewed current work at Bruton High, where crews have replaced metal siding and many windows, installed gutters and metal trim, and begun coating remaining roof edges. Sherhart said approximately 70% of the roof edge coating is complete and the team expects the project to finish by the end of April.

Sherhart reported auditorium renovations (seating, stage curtains, lighting and sound) are on the schedule; seats and curtains were expected to arrive in mid-July, and the scope has been expanded to replace some house lighting and install a single console for both stage and house lights. Michael (project manager) said proposals for demolition and concrete work were still pending.

Work on an astroturf installation included poured concrete curbing, drainage and preparatory soil stabilization. Weather-related delays (snow and rain) slowed the field schedule; engineers plan a soil/concrete stabilization treatment where needed prior to turf installation.

Taft High School work is advancing conceptually: a geothermal wellfield solicitation was issued the morning of the meeting, LED lighting replacement plans are being finalized, and bid negotiations with an architecture and engineering (A&E) firm were under way. Sherhart said staff are “planning to adjust the renovation scope to stay within the budget” and listed priorities including conversion to geothermal HVAC, LED lighting, a modernized front entrance, learning commons space, additional classrooms to replace mobile units, upgraded gym entry and renovated restrooms and locker rooms that date to the 1972 construction. Staff also identified a possible solar array on the roof as an opportunity if funding permits.

Board members asked about ranking project elements as “desperate need / need / want / wish” to support budgeting scenarios that include potential CIP reductions. Sherhart and other leaders said they will present prioritized scopes once the A&E firm provides cost estimates; until then they will plan to adjust scope and prioritize essential infrastructure improvements (HVAC/geothermal, energy-saving LED lighting, and spaces directly tied to instructional capacity).

Sherhart and the board emphasized energy savings as a driver: buildings with existing geothermal systems rank among the district’s most efficient, and LED lighting was expected to reduce lighting energy use “almost in half,” producing annual operating savings that factor into long-term cost decisions.

Sherhart noted this was his last presentation before retirement; the board and superintendent thanked him for years of service.

Ending: Board members asked that proposed scope adjustments and prioritized lists be shared with the board once the A&E cost estimates are available so the division can prepare CIP scenarios for possible county budget changes.