Pennsbury School District officials and KCBA architects presented final plans for a new high school and a phased financing schedule the board said would limit near-term tax burdens while funding construction.

KCBA architects Miranda Esposito and Mike Strohacker walked the board and public through site plans, interior layouts, and a projected schedule: construction documents are complete, the district aims to go out to bid in January 2026, receive and evaluate bids in 2026 and approve contracts by mid-to-late March 2026, with construction work to begin thereafter and occupancy and site completion occurring in the late 2020s. The presenters said the geotechnical investigation and a wetland delineation were performed roughly 18 months ago and that a DEP-requested follow-up also found no wetlands on the site.

Project costs and financing: district staff said the total project cost is projected at $269,500,000, with a maximum building cost of $212,000,000 approved earlier by the board. Presenters described structural costs, architect and management fees, an $8 million contingency and financing costs; the work will be funded in tranches of bonds over several years. The district projected an estimated long-term tax impact around 14.6 mills under the financing plan presented and explained homestead rebate and senior-relief resources available via the district’s website.

Design and amenities: architects highlighted a three-wing plan (administration/performing arts/athletics) connected by a three-story academic core and an interior “Pennsbury Path,” flexible learning and commons areas, a large auditorium (about 800 seats on the floor and 200 in a balcony), a natatorium with an eight-lane pool and an emphasis on flexible, multiuse spaces. The courtyards and interior design prioritize daylighting, passive supervision, and accessibility improvements compared with current facilities.

Stormwater and environmental mitigation: presenters said the site will include several above-ground basins and multiple underground basins to store and infiltrate runoff and that the design is being reviewed by Falls Township and the county conservation district. The project team emphasized compliance with local stormwater ordinances and preliminary planning commission approvals in process.

Security and restrooms: the district described secure vestibules, laminated "child-guard" glass to delay forced entry, and multiple security monitoring rooms; architects and staff said they expect to specify and purchase cameras nearer to installation to ensure current technology. On restrooms, the design includes separate boys’ and girls’ facilities plus individual single-occupancy toilet rooms (often called gender-neutral or universal restrooms) with corridor sinks and visibility for monitoring; the board discussed privacy, monitoring and liability concerns raised by parents.

Public reaction: more than a dozen public commenters raised questions and objections during the 90-minute public comment period. Concerns focused on potential wetlands and foundation choices, local flooding and stormwater performance, health and environmental risks from artificial turf, the project’s tax impact on senior and low-income homeowners, and maintenance and replacement costs for athletic surfaces. One commenter described the turf as "poison"; architects later said the new courtyard turf proposed for interior/recreation courtyards is certified without PFAS and that athletic turf decisions are separate from the construction project.

What’s next: the board did not vote to start construction at the meeting; presenters said final documents will be posted on the district website and the district will proceed with contractor prequalification and the planned January 2026 bid release. Community members asked for continued transparency and further technical documentation (stormwater modeling, turf specifications and long-term maintenance plans).