Methacton board approves schematic design work, residents urge pause and better community outreach

The Methacton School District Board of School Directors voted Oct. 28 to advance schematic design for a proposed high school renovation and to retain construction-management and owner's-representative services, while residents raised objections about process and projected costs.

Board members approved two schematic-design actions presented under 'other': authorization for the Schrader Group to proceed into schematic design at a cost not to exceed $672,576 and approval for ICS CMTA to proceed into schematic design at a cost not to exceed $69,615. After discussion about scopes and schedule, the motions passed by recorded voice vote with the board announcing the motion carried 7 to 0.

Why it matters: the schematic-design phase will produce the schematic layout of spaces, site planning and initial program elements that guide the project's next…