Wissahickon board rejects CHA design contract for middle‑school boiler after sustainability and bidding concerns; approves security upgrade

The Wissahickon School District board on Dec. 8 declined to approve a professional services contract with CHA to design a middle‑school boiler replacement (action 16.1), after multiple board members and public commenters raised questions about whether the work should wait for the district's facilities assessment, whether the district sought multiple bidders and whether the design should incorporate sustainable alternatives.

Public commenters referenced past problems with a 2018 chiller installation at the middle school that produced persistent neighborhood noise, urging greater scrutiny of site design and acoustical treatment. Resident Irene Lewis cited code and manufacturer installation guidance and asked whether the fire marshal had been consulted. Another commenter, Eric, warned that awarding design work before a comprehensive capital plan risks locking in an obsolete solution.

Board discussion focused on procurement and timing: members asked whether the work had been put out for an RFP (administration said professional services do not always require RFPs) and whether the Bureau Veritas facilities assessment would affect the design. One board member noted the design‑to‑construction schedule would push construction into the next school year unless the board authorized the design now; others said the board should wait for additional information. The motion to approve 16.1 failed on roll call after several members voted 'No.'

The board did approve a separate item, 16.2, to accept Pavion's proposal for intrusion‑detection upgrades.

No contractor was authorized to proceed on the boiler construction at the meeting; board members and staff said district leaders will continue evaluating options, including exploring solar and geothermal compatibility as part of future design discussions.