Radnor board approves engagement with Schrader Group to design renovation of administration building; vote 7–1

The Radnor Township School District board voted 7–1 to retain the Schrader Group to prepare design options for an administration-building renovation and authorized administrators to develop an American Institute of Architects (AIA) contract to proceed to the next design phase.

Administration and the Schrader Group presented project background, saying maintenance data showed the district office required a disproportionate share of work orders and that aging systems had not had major renovation since 1982. The board packet and presentation included an RFP-based cost estimate range of $15 million to $20 million for construction; architect fees were estimated at 7.5% of construction cost. Presented fee-phase allocations were schematic design 15%, design development 25%, construction documents 35%, bidding 5% and construction 20%.

Ken Morris (administration) introduced the recommendation and said approval would authorize the administration to move to the next decision point (design development) and that later board approvals would be required before committing construction funds. A Schrader Group representative identified the firm’s team, listed local K–12 projects and said their historic-preservation consultant would support the project.

During discussion, Ms. Stern asked whether the renovation would be subject to Act 34 public-notice requirements; the Schrader Group representative said the renovation does not trigger Act 34 because the work is not a new construction nor increases square footage by 20% or more. Ms. Solomon said she would vote no because she wanted the district to delay a year to avoid burdening administrators while the Ithan Elementary project is ongoing. Ms. Dunn, who served on the architect interview committee, urged the board to proceed, citing safety and long-term cost concerns about deferring work on a building with weathered windows, unreliable heating/cooling and recurring maintenance needs.

The chair called the question and the motion passed. The transcript records the vote as 7–1, with Ms. Solomon the lone dissent. The motion directed administration to develop and initiate an AIA contract with the Schrader Group; the transcript does not show subsequent board authorization of construction funding or a final contract award.

Next steps: The board authorized staff to proceed to the next design phase with the Schrader Group. Future decision points will return to the board for approval of construction funding and contract awards.