Pennsbury board: Bristol Township approves high school plan; Moody’s rating, bids and final approvals next

Pennsbury School District officials told the board Dec. 18 that the new high school project cleared a key planning milestone and is moving toward final procurement. A district representative said the Bristol Township planning commission unanimously recommended approval, and the district expects a Moody’s rating early next week that is “a crucial step needed for our bonds.”

Board members said they are tentatively scheduled to be before Falls Township supervisors on Jan. 26 for final local approvals. The administration reported that if approvals proceed as planned, bids would be advertised Jan. 28 and received March 5. The board described those dates as tentative but said the project is “moving on time.”

In response to public questions, staff acknowledged outstanding scope and cost issues that remain under review, including security systems and utility relocations. A member of the public asked whether wiring and camera rough-in for roughly 300 cameras were included in the budget; the district said cameras and some infrastructure items were still being finalized and encouraged continued community engagement.

The district reiterated that Moody’s rating is necessary to finalize bond sales that will fund construction. No final contract awards were made at the Dec. 18 meeting; the board’s reports outlined next steps in the approval and bidding timeline.