Upgrades To Neshaminy Schools Progressing

Construction contractors have spent the summer buzzing around Herbert Hoover Elementary School, Albert Schweitzer Elementary School and Carl Sandburg Middle School in Middletown.

Their work to upgrade the three Neshaminy School District buildings, which is part of the $20.89 million Act 39 Guaranteed Energy Savings Act (GESA), is on schedule, according to district spokesman Chris Stanley.

The work to the schools include adding and upgrading heating and air condition systems, energy-saving renovations, roof repairs, minor cosmetic changes and the addition of security vestibules.

Seasonable weather last week also helped crews get ahead at all the schools.

At Sandburg, work on the hallways is expected to be completed within two to three weeks. The “vast majority” of the work at all three schools will be completed by the time school opens in September, Stanley said.

Reynolds Energy Services is handling the project and has stated in the past the upgrades will save the district close to $1 million over the next 20 years. The savings are guaranteed by the company.

This summer’s work is only Phase I of planned upgrades to the district’s schools. Officials have said at school board meetings that Phases II and III will include work to other district buildings and cost less than Phase I.

A $50 million bond secured earlier this year by Neshaminy will cover Phase I of  the GESA work and the cost of a $30 million, 800-student new school in Lower Southampton.