The Pennsbury School District is kicking off the design process for its new high school with a series of public meetings, starting with an introduction to the architectural firm tasked with shaping the future building that is planned to serve for decades.
Advertisements
The first meeting will take place on Wednesday, May 15, at 6 p.m. in Pennsbury High School’s East Campus cafeteria.
Community members can engage with KCBA Architects, the Montgomery County-based firm selected for the project. The firm is expected to discuss designs ideas and the project during the planned one-and-a-half-hour meeting, according to Superintendent Dr. Thomas Smith.
The decision to hire KCBA Architects for $8.8 million was made by the school board in a 6-2 vote in March.
Advertisements
“With the architect selected, the design process starts. Multiple meetings will be held for community members, students, and staff to provide input on the final design,” Smith said in an email to the community.
Another key meeting is scheduled for Thursday, May 9, at 7:30 p.m. at the Fallsington Elementary School auditorium.
Advertisements
The meeting will involve the school board interviewing potential construction management firms to oversee the project. The meeting will be open to public participation and recorded for those unable to attend.
Smith anticipates that a construction management firm will be hired during the school board’s meeting on May 16.
KCBA Architects designed the ongoing renovations at Charles Boehm Middle School.
Advertisements
Earlier this year, they pitched a design outline dubbed the “Pennsbury Path,” which aims to create a versatile, environmentally sustainable, and welcoming high school. The firm said they would look to enhance safety, optimize natural light, and improve traffic flow within the school grounds.
The new high school is being targeted by the district to open in winter 2029. Construction could start next year.
Advertisements
The project is forecasted to cost between $240 million and $275 million and span 475,000 to 505,000 square feet to accommodate up to 2,800 students.
District CFO Chris Berdnik outlined a financial strategy that includes a tax increase for capital projects and potential bond issues, estimating total principal and interest payments could reach $569.4 million.
Advertisements
The district is working to keep the project under $250 million to avoid a voter referendum.
The new high school project would be the largest in Pennsbury’s history.
Advertisements
The current, aging high school, which is split between two buildings, has the highest student population of any high school in Bucks County, according to data from Niche.com.
Report a correction via email | Editorial standards and policies
