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Harrisburg administration recommends demolishing William Penn; board directs solicitor to prepare findings

Harrisburg City School District Board of School Directors - Committee of the Whole · February 10, 2026

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Summary

Administration briefed eight options for the deteriorated William Penn building, citing renovation estimates of $13M–$94M and annual ongoing security/insurance costs (~$566,000). The administration recommended demolition and an athletic field; the board directed the solicitor to prepare written findings for a final disposition recommendation.

The district presented a multi‑option analysis for the William Penn property on Feb. 10, describing the building’s history (opened 1926; closed 2010; fires and vandalism since) and safety and liability concerns. Administration said renovation costs could range from approximately $13 million to $94 million and that keeping the building as is incurs about $566,000 in annual security, insurance and related costs.

Options presented included full renovation for CTE programming (high risk and high cost), maintaining the status quo (ongoing liability), demolition, subdivision and sale, public‑private partnership proposals (high risk and uncertain funding), and administration’s recommended option: demolition and construction of athletic fields. Administration said option 5 would preserve full district control of the land, address Title IX needs by expanding athletic opportunities, eliminate uninsured liability and provide predictable maintenance costs rather than large upfront borrowing the district cannot undertake while in receivership.

Administration asked the board to authorize the district solicitor to prepare written findings and conclusions about the building’s disposition and to direct administration to seek demolition and field‑construction contracts and to develop a multi‑year plan to honor the site’s legacy. A motion to direct the solicitor to prepare findings was moved and seconded and passed by roll call (8 yes, 0 no, 0 abstain) as an immediate action to be moved forward to the Feb. 24 board packet for final action.