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Property committee reviews transportation savings, mini-pitch sponsorship, heating fixes, elevator grant and construction timelines
Summary
William Penn SD staff reported elimination of nine transportation routes with estimated daily savings of $2,316.87 and annual savings of about $243,271; discussed a donor-funded mini pitch with sponsor logos, heating repairs across three campuses, a $495,000 elevator grant at Bell Avenue and several construction RFPs and punch-list items
William Penn School District property staff updated the Feb. 7 Property Committee on transportation route reductions, progress on multiple facilities projects, and plans to study energy-efficiency financing.
Transportation savings: District staff reported that consolidation eliminated six third-party transportation routes and three in-district bus routes. The administration estimated a per-day savings of $2,316.87 and an annualized remaining-year savings of $243,271.35. Committee members asked whether the district could offer stipends to parents to transport students; staff said they are researching that option and will report back.
Mini pitch and sponsorships: Staff presented an aerial rendering of a donor- and sponsor-funded mini pitch to be installed near Bell Avenue’s basketball courts. The district said the project is fully funded through sponsorships and donors and will display sponsor logos on the surface. Committee members asked about structural details, spectator sightlines, foundation/prep work and coordination with the school principal and the borough; staff said they would provide vendor specifications and sample installations in the board update and confirm foundation and wall heights.
Heating and mechanical repairs: Staff said parts for two rooftop units at Park Lane arrived and, once installed, classroom temperatures dropped from roughly the 80s to the 70-degree range. At the Ninth Grade Academy, staff identified air infiltration at windows and through HVAC openings; they recaulked windows and added coverings for HVAC units, and plan in-house repairs (motors and actuators) where possible. At Green Avenue Campus, staff said problems are more complex and tied to building age, unit size and incomplete electrical drawings; they are conducting room-by-room assessments and plan further diagnostics with electrical tracing tools.
Energy-efficiency financing (GESA): Staff introduced the Guaranteed Energy Savings Act (GESA), a Commonwealth of Pennsylvania mechanism that lets school districts partner with energy service companies to finance energy-efficiency upgrades through guaranteed savings. The administration said it will study GESA opportunities over the next 30–45 days and report feasibility findings to the board.
Bell Avenue elevator grant and RFP timing: The district said it received about $495,000 in grant funding for a Bell Avenue elevator. KCBA Architects provided initial designs on Jan. 15; staff expects a total proposal in February and, if approved, will issue an RFP with construction targeted to begin after the 2025 school year ends and be completed during the summer. Staff clarified the intended in-service date is before the 2025–26 academic year.
Wall Street vestibule and other capital items: The Wall Street vestibule project, already in the capital budget, has a new general contractor after delays and will require a formal motion for the board. Staff said funds are captured in the capital budget and no new funds are requested, but formal board approval will be scheduled.
Facilities master-plan work and RFP for addition: Punch-list work at Evans and East Lansdowne completed about 95% of items; remaining work (notably repainting the East Lansdowne gym) is scheduled for summer due to dust and disruption. The district secured a zoning special exemption from Yeadon Borough to build an addition on existing school land; an RFP went live Jan. 6 and the district extended the submission deadline from Feb. 6 to Feb. 22 to broaden contractor interest. Staff will hold two community sessions with Yeadon Borough and attend a mayor’s forum in March.
Contract performance and procurement safeguards: Multiple board members requested stronger contract performance provisions and guardrails to limit cost overruns and ensure timely delivery; staff acknowledged the concerns and said the RFP process will include performance expectations.
Ending: No formal votes were taken on these items at the Feb. 7 meeting. Staff will provide vendor specifications, updated timelines and procurement language in upcoming board materials.
