Board briefed on $2.9 million stadium bleacher replacement; award to Grace Industries set for next meeting

Wissahickon School District facilities staff told the school board on Feb. 24 that a recommended award for replacement of the high-school stadium bleachers will be on next week’s agenda, with a base bid of $2,900,000 and alternatives that raise the total to $3,070,972.

Tim, a district staff member who presented the facilities summary, said the project bid came in higher than the district’s preliminary projection of $2,750,000. "This is with a base bid of $2,900,000 and 2 alternatives that the district can accept for a total of $3,070,972," he said. The district reported the difference from its earlier projection as about $205,000.

The nut graf: Facilities staff said inspections and incremental repairs in prior years led to the recommendation to replace the bleachers now rather than continue temporary repairs; the board was told work would not begin until after the 2025-26 football season and staff expects the project to be complete for graduation.

Board members asked about urgency and whether both sides need replacement at once. Tim said annual inspections and recent repair recommendations drove the timing; he advised replacing both sides in one contract to avoid repeated mobilization costs and because material prices are unlikely to decline. During discussion a board member described the current stands as "dangerous" during football games; facilities staff emphasized the project addresses structural concerns identified in inspections.

The facilities report also noted a landscaping contract bid and other routine items scheduled for the next meeting.

The board had not yet voted on the stadium award; staff said the recommendation to award to Grace Industries will be placed on the agenda for the next board meeting.