Pennsbury School Board Selects Hatfield Borough Architect For New High School

Tom Sofield | LevittownNow.com•

The Pennsbury School Board has selected the architectural firm that will design the district’s next high school.

KCBA Architects was selected with a 6-2 vote, with one board member abstaining. The fee the district will pay wasn’t immediately released at last Thursday’s school board meeting but it was in the millions.

KCBA Architects, at 8 E. Broad St. in Hatfield Borough, Montgomery County, in the historic Hatfield National Bank, was picked over Crabtree, Rohrbaugh, and Associates. The selection process started last year with nine proposals from architectural firms.

Board members Lois Lambing and Josh Waldorf were in favor of Crabtree, Rohrbaugh, and Associates.

Waldorf argued that Crabtree, Rohrbaugh, and Associates offered a superior, data-driven approach, particularly in terms of transportation patterns around the proposed high school.

Despite the lack of disclosure on the fee during last Thursday’s meeting, it was noted that KCBA Architects proposed a bid that was $1.6 million less than their competitor.

"You get what you pay for,” Waldorf said.

Board member Donna Abrescia, who is a recent addition to the board, abstained from the vote. She noted that much of the process was underway before she was on the board.

Board President Dr. Joanna Steere said KCBA Architects and Crabtree, Rohrbaugh, and Associates put together solid presentations. She noted that they were more familiar with projects and the costs in the Philadelphia region.

"I feel that they had a good connection with us. They heard us and understand who we are … they’ll do a great job,” said board member Linda Palsky.

Several other board members spoke highly of both firms, but noted that they felt KCBA Architects would be a better choice for Pennsbury.

Steere said after the vote that it had been a "long process” to get to the selection of an architectural firm.

KCBA Architects has a history with the district and has been leading the renovations at Charles Boehm Middle School in Lower Makefield Township. The renovation project remains ongoing and had led to cost overruns, which largely have been blamed by officials on unanticipated problems.

KCBA Architects last month highlighted their concept of the "Pennsbury Path,” a design feature aimed at connecting various parts of the campus while promoting accessibility and engagement.

Mike Kelly, representing KCBA Architects, emphasized the firm’s focus on versatility, environmental sustainability, and creating a welcoming atmosphere that encourages personal experiences within a large-scale facility.

KCBA Architects representatives told the school board they will work to design a building with access to daylight and energy-savings. In addition, there will be safety measures incorporated, improvement to entrances and exits, and creation of separate areas for buses and personal vehicles.

The KCBA Architects team said they would work to create an inspiring environment for students.

Crabtree, Rohrbaugh, and Associates proposed a design centered on a "Main Street” concept that is intended to foster collaboration and community within the school.

With KCBA Architects chosen, the district will begin development of the final design.

Recently, Superintendent Dr. Thomas Smith said the design process will involve consultation with students, staff, and community members over the next year.

After the design is completed and approved, construction on a new high school in Falls Township could begin by next summer.

The opening of the new high school targeted for winter 2029.

The project is estimated to cost between $240 million and $275 million, with a district goal to keep the cost under the $250 million mark to avoid the need for a voter referendum.

Spanning between 475,000 and 505,000 square feet, the new high school could serve as many as 2,800 students.

Pensbury has already implemented a tax increase earmarked for capital projects and plans to issue bonds.

According to Chris Berdnik, the district’s CFO, the long-term financial strategy could see principal and interest payments amounting to $569.4 million, with the possibility of further borrowing for additional district improvements.

The selection marks a significant step in the district’s long process toward constructing a new high school.

The new Pennsbury High School will be the first built in Lower Bucks County since Northampton Township’s Council Rock High School South opened in 2002. The Centennial School District’s William Tennent High School, which is in Central Bucks County and serves part of Lower Bucks County, opened in 2011.