Methacton board approves $161,708 study as members debate pivot from new-build to renovation

The Methacton School District board on March 25 approved professional services agreements with CHA and the Schrader Group for a not-to-exceed $161,708 feasibility and planning study to evaluate renovation and addition options for Methacton High School.

The contract, listed on the agenda as item 13h, passed the board by voice vote, 7–1. Board members debated whether the district should continue pursuing a new high school design or “reset” toward a renovation-focused approach. The study will verify existing building conditions, establish a “base system scope” to make the building warm, dry and safe, develop concept options with cost estimates and recommend phasing and implementation timelines.

Devin, the Schrader Group presenter, told the board the work would include on-site measurements, modeling of the existing building, and confirmation of educational spaces with administration. Arif Aziel of CHA outlined the project’s emphasis on reusing existing infrastructure where possible and said the study will produce multiple concepts with assigned cost estimates. Arif said the project team plans to perform much of the initial building modeling during spring break.

Board members asked repeatedly for financial clarity before committing to a renovation track. “If we don’t know what our current financial projections are… how can we say that we are ready to pivot now to renovation without considering what that number is against what you could do with that number for a new building?” asked Board Member Cleary. Administrators and consultants said the study will produce budgeted options the board can weigh, and that the district is coordinating with its financial adviser, PFM, for financing projections.

Several directors pressed consultants on timing and investigative scope. Consultants said targeted investigations (for example, geotechnical work or detailed pipe scanning) would be useful but recommended deferring those until the board gives direction on an option set; otherwise, those specialized studies risk being unnecessary expense. “If you think you need to do those things in order to generate a cost that you’re going to come to us within September, put them in your bid,” one director said. Consultants replied they will provide budgeted line items and contingencies where possible.

Consultants also noted potential outside funding sources could remain available under a renovation approach. Arif said renovation work can still qualify for the state Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RCAP) and said the district’s renovation pivot “does not preclude us” from pursuing that funding.

The contract authorizes CHA (engineering) and Schrader Group (architect) to deliver: site and building verification, programming confirmation, base system scopes (HVAC, roofing, electrical, envelope, stormwater), concept designs with cost estimates, and phasing/implementation parameters. Consultants said the district will be presented with concept options and cost forecasts through the summer, with a final recommendation expected in September.

Board members requested the consultants present narrower, feasible options tied to the district’s forthcoming PFM financing analysis and asked that any additional investigative work be funded only with board approval. The motion to approve the CHA/Schrader scope was moved by Board Member Winters and seconded by Board Member Graff and carried 7–1.