Methacton narrows high school renovation priorities; traffic, 8‑lane pool and wellness center top list

At its April 29 meeting, the Methacton School District Board of Directors heard design firm Schrader Group outline a baseline scope for renovating Methacton High School and completed a two‑round prioritization exercise to guide future design and budgeting.

Designers told the board that the baseline scope would address core infrastructure — roof and building‑envelope repairs, HVAC and controls replacement, updated electrical distribution and lighting, plumbing and domestic hot water, expanded fire protection, data/Wi‑Fi upgrades, security systems and ADA improvements. The firm said those items are needed to extend the facility’s useful life and support any subsequent room‑by‑room renovation or repurposing.

The board then reviewed a list of optional and discretionary projects and, using a two‑round voting process facilitated by Schrader Group, indicated which items should be prioritized for schematic design and cost estimating. The prioritization is advisory: the consultants said selected priorities will guide what the team produces next and will later be translated into cost estimates that the board will review.

Round 1 results (items that met the board’s threshold) focused on site…