The Pennsbury School District will hold a public hearing this week to discuss plans for a new high school.
Advertisements
The district will host an Act 34 Hearing on Thursday at 7 p.m. at Fallsington Elementary School, located at 134 Yardley Avenue in Falls Township.
Pennsylvania law requires the hearing, which will present details and accept public comment on the proposed high school construction.
The formal hearing will include a presentation on the project’s educational, physical, administrative, budgetary and fiscal aspects.
Advertisements
A 50-page Act 34 information booklet is available on the district’s website for public review ahead.
The proposed new high school would be a 497,000-square-foot building on the south side of the current campus along Hood Boulevard. The district plans to continue using the existing East and West buildings until the new school is completed. After which they will be demolished.
District officials considered several options, including renovating the existing buildings or adding an addition to the West building while demolishing the East building. Ultimately, they concluded that building a new high school was the “most cost-effective solution,” according to the Act 34 documentation.
Advertisements
The Pennsbury School Board has approved a maximum project cost of $269,546,944, with a maximum building construction cost of $212,409,380. According to outgoing Pennsbury Chief Financial Officer Chris Berdnik, the total principal and interest payments for the project’s bonds would total $569.4 million, to be paid back by the early 2060s.
Some residents have voiced concerns about the need for the new school and the associated costs, while others have expressed support for the project at public meetings.
Written testimony can be submitted in advance to Superintendent Dr. Thomas Smith at the school district’s mailing address by 4 p.m. on Wednesday. Written comments should include the sender’s name, municipality, status as a district resident or employee, a statement of support or objection, and suggested alternative solutions.
Advertisements
In-person testimony will also be accepted at the hearing, with a sign-in sheet available before the meeting. Remarks will be limited to five minutes per person.
If construction begins in the spring of 2026, the project is expected to take four years to complete.
After the hearing, additional written comments will be accepted until 4 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 6, 2025. These comments should be submitted to the district chief financial officer.
Advertisements
Project information is available for review during regular business hours at the Pennsbury School District Administration Offices at 134 Yardley Avenue in Fallsington.
Pennsbury has started a website with updates on the project.
Advertisement
Meet Your Canna Coach: Personalized Guidance, Free for You!
Canna Remedies: Your Go-To Accessible and Convenient Dispensary
Shop Now: cannaremediesnj.com/shop
Advertisements
Report a correction via email | Editorial standards and policies
