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Scranton board gives consensus to study gym options for Westside High School
Summary
Directors asked central administration to evaluate options for a Westside High School gym — including an addition or a gym at Isaac Tripp Elementary — and to return with phased cost estimates and financing scenarios after reviewing an older Palumbo Group feasibility study and recent cost estimates.
Bob Casey, a board director, reopened a long‑running facilities discussion on the condition of Westside High School’s gym and asked the board for a nonbinding consensus to pursue further study. Casey said an earlier feasibility study by the Palumbo Group estimated a gym at about $5–6 million and that more recent guesstimates put a modern build at roughly $12 million.
Casey told colleagues he had spoken to the Palumbo Group and that its lead had offered to update the study pro bono so the district would have current cost estimates. He asked whether five directors would support asking central administration to return with proposals rather than letting the idea “die of a slow death.” Counsel confirmed directors can take a consensus in committee but not an official vote.
Several directors supported asking Dr. Keating and central staff to prepare options and cost estimates, with particular attention to phasing and other pressing facility needs (science labs, doors that lock, HVAC). Director Holmes and others emphasized that equity for Westside students mattered but urged the district also address academic and safety infrastructure in the same planning process.
Administration said it would review the existing resolution related to a previously proposed gym and provide legal and budgetary context. Directors requested a packet submission that lays out options, estimated costs, potential funding sources (including an item Casey referenced in the governor’s budget), and a phased timeline so the board can review before deciding on any next steps.
The board granted the consensus Casey requested for administration to study the options and prepare a formal proposal for future committee or work‑session discussion.
