Kennett outlines multi‑year facilities plan; roofs, HVAC and district office expansion prioritized

District facilities staff presented a multi‑year capital and facilities plan at the Feb. 5 meeting that prioritizes extensive roofing work, HVAC replacements and several building projects to be funded primarily from the district’s capital reserve.

Staff said two independent roof studies (Wish Janney and a Garland Roofing assessment) identified significant roof areas at the high school and Mary D. Lang that warrant near‑term attention. The presenter reported high‑school roof work in priority zones at roughly $3.8 million (staff described options: full replacement, a recover with 30‑year warranty, or a lower‑cost coating with shorter warranty). Staff recommended the recover option for long‑term value after infrared scans and replacement of any wet deck areas.

Facility planners proposed using a national cooperative purchase arrangement (examples cited: Omnia, CoStars, Keystone Purchasing Network) and Garland‑certified installers to achieve economies of scale rather than running separate low‑bid procurements for each small project. Staff noted a phased plan previously showed about $2.1 million this summer and $1.6 million next summer for certain roof areas but that combining phases may reduce total costs.

Other projects highlighted included: auxiliary (Alks) gym interior work (new bleachers, LED lighting, floor refinishing and new backboards), replacement of several rooftop HVAC units (including two units already scheduled), skylight replacements and targeted boiler and window repairs across campuses. Staff said routine LED replacements and minor in‑house projects will continue under maintenance budgets.

On larger site and capital matters, staff reviewed the sale process for a district parcel that requires two appraisals and court confirmation; appraisals currently show a high of $5.30 million and a low of $4.10 million, and the district’s listing agent (Matt Fedick) has shown the property for months with no offers at the high appraisal. Staff also outlined a proposed ~2,000 sq. ft. district office addition (previously presented at $1.7 million) and cautioned that land‑development and exception‑of‑use permitting (Chester County conservation, DEP and borough review) will add time and civil‑engineering costs.

Funding and timing: staff said the district’s capital reserve is the primary source for these projects and presented a multi‑year drawdown plan. The presenter emphasized the goal of completing as much work as possible during the summer months to minimize disruption to instruction and to capture contractor efficiencies. The committee asked for firm estimates and additional procurement comparisons before finalizing major contracts.

What happens next: Facilities staff will return with finalized cost estimates, procurement recommendations, and permitting timelines for the district office addition and key summer projects; several projects will require board approval for contracts or cooperative‑purchase participation.