Bensalem board tables decision on proposed "mega" middle school after debate over cost data

The Bensalem Township School District Board of School Directors on Tuesday voted 5–3 to table agenda items L1–L4, postponing a decision on whether to build a new "mega" middle school or pursue renovation options.

Board members said the cost information presented to them contained inconsistent escalation assumptions and other errors that made apples-to-apples comparison impossible. The board committed to returning to the item after staff corrects and clarifies the figures; the business affairs committee will receive updated numbers on Oct. 15.

Members of the public and students urged the board to weigh costs, health and operational impacts before deciding. "The highest form of efficacy is, of course, all of those that I am seeing around this table that are the elected," said George Zacker, a 26-year Penn Salem teacher who spoke during public comment about the need for careful planning. Community member Kate Pascucci brought photos she said documented leaks, stains and mold in school spaces and said, "It's time to fix what's broken first." Recent graduate Andre Warner urged the board to choose a cheaper renovation path, citing a June estimate that placed options in a $155 million–$165 million range and warning that actual project costs commonly rise.

Board discussion focused on the presentation errors. Several board members said option E's costs were escalated to 2027 while options A and C were escalated only to 2025, creating a mismatch in comparisons. One board member described the inconsistency as a material error that needed correction before a public vote. Another board member said contingency and soft costs — including remediation for asbestos in older buildings — could add substantially to renovation estimates and cited a commonly used planning contingency of about 30% for complicated projects.

Mr. Pettyjohn moved to table L1–L4; the motion passed on roll call 5–3. Recorded votes were: Yes — Mr. Pettyjohn, Mr. Patel, Dr. King, Mr. Cohen and Ms. Rivera; No — Ms. Mara, Ms. Brandes and Ms. Winters. The board chair noted eight members were present and that Ms. Nicholas was absent.

Speakers and some board members urged a prompt return to the question. One board member said the community deserved a vote before the November election and urged that corrected, simplified figures be presented so residents can understand "what this is going to cost me," including hard costs, soft costs and contingency. Another member said the district must also resolve related decisions — such as the future of Snyder — once the board chooses between building new and renovating.

The board said it will have staff rework and correct the cost comparisons and present the updated information at the business affairs meeting on Oct. 15; the board noted that meeting will not be livestreamed and encouraged public attendance.

Ending: The board did not adopt any construction plan Tuesday. The district will present corrected cost comparisons and other clarifying materials at an upcoming meeting before any vote is taken.