Methacton presents $113 million initial renovation plan for high school; board to consider schematic design and construction‑management recommendations

Methacton School District officials presented a phased renovation concept for Methacton High School on Oct. 21 and recommended moving the project into schematic design while advancing selection of a construction management/owner’s representative.

What was presented Consultants described a phased plan that focuses the initial project on the oldest, most infrastructure‑deficient areas — notably the West Wing — while adding new facilities identified as top priorities: a new classroom wing, a larger auditorium, a fitness and wellness area, and an eight‑lane natatorium (pool). The design team said the concept also improves on‑site circulation by creating separate lanes for buses, parents and student parking and would yield about 171 additional parking spaces on campus.

Cost and schedule The engineering and cost team presented an estimated initial project cost (with escalation and allowances) of about $113,000,000, which includes a $7,500,000 allowance for baseline scope items that were not fully defined. The broader 10‑year capital forecast, which incorporates district priorities across the master facilities plan, shows a planning range between about $121,000,000 and $125,000,000 for the overall high‑school program in earlier materials; consultants said the new, targeted approach reduces some baseline expenses by deferring work in newer building areas.

The design team outlined a planning schedule that anticipates schematic design beginning if the board approves next steps; construction could be bid in early 2027 with major building work starting in 2027 and substantial project completion on the building by late 2029 and remaining site work into 2030. The team said the plan was structured to avoid modular classrooms by using internal swing space while moving programs into newly completed wings during construction.

Financing and borrowing District business staff presented a 10‑year borrowing model that assumes $180,000,000 of bond proceeds available over a multi‑year draw schedule for district capital needs, including the high‑school renovation. The model assumes the district raises taxes to the Act 1 index each year and uses debt‑wrapping techniques (scheduling borrowings so earlier debt retirements smooth payment spikes) to manage annual debt service. Under current assumptions the model projects a $2.1 million operating shortfall across the 10‑year window that finance staff said could be addressed by use of fund balance, operational efficiencies, proceeds from a property sale, or by altering the draw schedule.

Construction management / owner’s representative recommendation After an RFP and interview process, district staff recommended awarding CMOR services to ICS CMTA (Media, Pa.) to provide continuity and cost efficiencies across both master facilities plan (scope A) projects and the high‑school project (scope B). The recommended fee structure was reported to offer district savings in the monthly retainer, a lower percentage for master‑plan projects, and an estimated $261,000 savings on the high‑school project compared with other proposals. The draft contract is under solicitor review; ICS personnel are expected to attend the next meeting if the board wishes to proceed.

Board actions proposed for the next meeting District staff asked the board to place several action items on the Oct. 28 agenda, including: - Approve the Schrader Group to proceed into schematic design for the Methacton High School renovation concept (cost not to exceed $672,567). - Approve ICS to proceed into schematic design for the Methacton High School renovation concept (cost not to exceed $69,615). - Approve ICS CMTA as construction manager/owner’s representative for scope A (master facilities plan) and scope B (high‑school project) pending solicitor review of the contract.

Board questions and concerns Board members asked detailed questions about roof warranties and which roof areas would be replaced in phase 1, classroom capacity and utilization, the condition and projected service life of mechanical systems (boiler/chiller plant and unit ventilators), phasing and swing space, parking during construction, and whether the project would require modular classrooms. Consultants said the worst‑condition roofs (D‑rated) in the West and Mid wings were included in the initial project, that the central boiler/hot‑water plant would be replaced, and that many mechanical replacements in the remainder of the building could be deferred for 8–15 years according to the engineering assessment (a draft technical report was said to be forthcoming this week for board review).

Public comments and next steps Members of the public urged caution, asked for more outreach to taxpayers, and pressed for clarity about auditorium size and circulation improvements. Board members emphasized that schematic design is the next step to refine scope, cost alternatives and potential alternates; schematic design itself does not commit the board to the final $113 million price tag. The board agreed to place the architects’ and CMOR motions on next week’s agenda for formal consideration.