The Pennsbury School District is moving forward with plans to overhaul the Pennsbury High School campus in Falls Township.
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Superintendent Thomas Smith wrote in a letter to the community this week the district’s tentative timeline for the proposed project, which spans through winter 2029.
Smith said the district is seeking to gather feedback on whether to renovate and expand the West campus or construct an entirely new high school on the current grounds.
Earlier this year, officials said the expansion cost could start at $166.4 million and the price tag for a new building could top out at $213.2 million.
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In almost every scenario, Pennsbury is looking at demolishing the East Campus and using the area as a bus depot. The district could renovate and expand the West Campus, including adding a ninth-grade academy or tear down the East and West campuses and build an entirely new building.
The current district budget included a a tax increase that was aimed at putting money aside for capital projects.
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Smith said the following key activities are planned for the fall:
- Site Testing: This includes comprehensive site surveys, Geotechnical and Hazmat investigations, and a demographic study to understand the potential impact and requirements of the project.
- Design Discussion Group: An Ad hoc committee consisting of parents, community members, students, and staff has been assembled to provide essential feedback on the project’s direction and design.
- Community Forums: Scheduled for September 30 and October 3, these forums will offer the community a chance to view a presentation, tour the buildings, and share their insights directly with district staff. Click here to RSVP.
- Board Committees’ Involvement: The Pennsbury School Board Facilities and Finance Committees are set to discuss the project’s various aspects in their upcoming meetings. Click here for more information on the meetings.
- Monthly Board Meetings: Community members can vocalize their thoughts during the public comment portion of upcoming board meetings. Click here for more information on the meetings.
Smith expressed his optimism about the project’s potential impact on the community.
“We believe this project will have a positive impact on our students and staff for many years to come,” he said.
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The project’s timeline from Smith also lists additional milestones, including the Request for Proposals (RFP) for architects and school design in late 2023, visits to recently constructed high schools to get ideas between 2024 and 2025, and the anticipated start of construction in the summer of 2025.
If all goes as planned, Pennsbury School District expects the new or renovated building to be operational by winter 2029, Smith said.
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For more information on previous high school design discussions or to access specific dates for board meetings, the community is encouraged to visit the provided links or contact Superintendent Smith directly at tsmith@pennsburysd.org or 215-428-4111.
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