Finance Committee approves fire‑alarm bid schedule, moves ahead on Jarrettown planning and Maple Glen roof recommendation

The Upper Dublin School District Finance Committee on Feb. 19 reviewed several facilities items: a planned public bid for fire alarm replacements at three elementary schools and district farm buildings, progress on long‑range planning for Jarrettown Elementary School and recommendations for roofing and paving work.

Tim Geider of ICS summarized a bid package that will go out next week for full replacement of fire alarm devices and control panels at Fort Washington, Maple Glen and Thomas Fitzwater elementary schools, excluding Jarrettown while that school’s larger renovation plan is developed. “The design’s complete and includes a full replacement of the fire alarm devices and the control panels within these buildings,” Geider said, noting the systems will be updated to current NFPA standards and bids are expected back March 12. The budget for the package is about $800,000, he said; the schedule anticipates phased work and substantial completion by August 2026.

Administrators said Jarrettown Elementary — the district’s oldest building, originally built in 1955 and subsequently enlarged — needs major investment. ICS identified four options: 1A targeted renovation (HVAC, sprinklers and systems), 1B full renovation at existing square footage, 2 partial demolition with additions to expand common spaces, and 3 a new building with demolition of the existing structure. Enrollment projections show an expected increase of 35 to 65 students at Jarrettown over five to ten years, driving capacity considerations. ICS plans stakeholder surveys and a building tour during March and aims to gather input by May so the administration could make a recommendation to the board in June.

Stephanie (Director of Communications) outlined a communications plan to support the Jarrettown process, including a dedicated project web page, targeted emails to affected families, newsletter updates, community partnerships (for example with the township and public library), social media outreach and proactive press engagement.

Facilities staff also recommended awarding the shingled roof replacement at Maple Glen Elementary to Vertex Roofing, the low bidder at $696,800. Bob Lester said the district received six bids and that Vertex — which completed a prior gym roof project for the district — was the recommended contractor. “We were very happy with their work,” Lester said. Bids were reviewed by the district architect and staff recommended proceeding.

The committee heard plans for summer paving work at multiple sites including Upper Dublin High School (Performing Arts Center parking lot), Jarrettown (front lot), the administration building and Fort Washington (front aisle and ADA adjustments). Staff said the Jarrettown paving item can be treated as an alternate so the district can decide later whether to proceed depending on the school’s final plan.

Staff updated the committee on the softball field project: weather and a required land development review by the township delayed the schedule. The athletic field’s sod farm availability controls installation timing; staff said the field may not be playable for the first home games but dugouts, bullpens and the scoreboard are usable.

Committee members asked about phasing, contractor continuity and whether combining projects into single bid packages would preserve equipment compatibility across buildings. The administration said unified bidding provides continuity and flexibility through alternate line items by building.

The committee voted to move the roofing recommendation forward and authorized advertisement of the fire alarm bid package with building breakouts and unit pricing to allow construction flexibility. Jarrettown stakeholder engagement steps were approved to proceed.