Project Scope & Timeline

The project unfolds through several distinct phases, each with its own timeline:

Design Phase

  • Schematic Design: April 2023 – July 2023

  • Design Development: July 2023 – November 2023

  • Construction Documents: November 2023 – February 2024

Permitting Phase

  • Concord Township Approvals: May 2023 – October 2023

  • Delaware County Conservation District Approvals: August 2023 – July 2024

Bidding Phase

  • Bidding: June 2024 – August 2024

Construction Phase

  • Construction: August 2024 – August 2025

This timeline provides a comprehensive overview of the project's progression, from initial design to completion, ensuring transparency and understanding of the project's trajectory.

Overview of Project FAQ’s

  • The Pennington School building, which has remained vacant for several years, presents a unique opportunity for us to enhance our educational offerings and better serve our school community. Here's an overview of our plan:

    — Relocation of Transportation Department: We will relocate our transportation department and its fleet of buses to the Pennington property. This move will streamline operations and improve efficiency.

    — Maintenance Department Relocation: The maintenance department, currently housed in the house in front of the high school entrance, will be moved to more suitable facilities, allowing for a safer and more accessible campus entrance.

    — Community Living Program Enhancement: We are bringing back our community living program for life skills students. The renovated building will include a specialized apartment and training suite, providing a more supportive environment for these students.

    — E-School, Technology, and Esports Facilities: The Pennington Project will create dedicated spaces for our e-school program, technology department, and esports programs. These facilities will enhance our students' access to cutting-edge technology and learning opportunities.

    — Large Group Instructional Spaces: The renovation will include the development of large group instructional spaces and other meeting areas, accommodating the diverse needs of our students and staff.

    By repurposing the Pennington School building, we aim to improve the functionality and accessibility of our campus, enhance educational opportunities, and create a more inclusive and supportive environment for our school community.

  • Yes, the district is currently exploring the possibility of incorporating turf fields on the grounds above the stadium as a crucial component of the project. We perceive this as a substantial advancement in our extracurricular and community athletic programs, in addition to its positive impact on our educational programs in physical education. This initiative aims to provide our students and the community with expanded opportunities to participate in sports and recreational activities.

    Should this proposal receive approval, it will encompass not only the installation of turf fields but also the construction of a field house complete with restroom and concession facilities. This holistic approach will significantly enhance the overall experience for athletes and spectators, making it a more enjoyable and convenient environment for all involved.

  • The Smithbridge Road Project remains an ongoing collaborative effort involving the district, Concord Township, State Representative Craig Williams, and Senator John Kane. As part of this partnership, we are working in tandem with the district's renovation project. To recap, our joint efforts entail:

    — Turning Lanes: Installing turning lanes into the high school for improved traffic flow and safety.

    — Sidewalks: Constructing sidewalks from the front entrance of the high school down the length of —Smithbridge Road, extending all the way to the Rachel Kohl Library. This addition promotes pedestrian safety and accessibility.

    — Traffic Circle: Creating a traffic circle at the intersection of Kirk and Temple Roads to enhance traffic management and safety in the area.

    This collaborative approach underscores our commitment to addressing traffic and safety concerns in the community while also improving the overall infrastructure and accessibility in the vicinity of the school. We will continue to work diligently to ensure the success of the Smithbridge Road Project.

Project Timeline FAQ’s

  • The project unfolds through several distinct phases, each with its own timeline:

    Design Phase

    ‣ Schematic Design: April 2023 – July 2023

    ‣ Design Development: July 2023 – November 2023

    ‣ Construction Documents: November 2023 – February 2024

    Permitting Phase

    ‣ Concord Township Approvals: May 2023 – October 2023

    ‣ Delaware County Conservation District Approvals: August 2023 – July 2024

    Bidding Phase

    ‣ Bidding: June 2024 – August 2024

    ‣ Construction Phase

    ‣ Construction: August 2024 – August 2025

    This timeline provides a comprehensive overview of the project's progression, from initial design to completion, ensuring transparency and understanding of the project's trajectory.

Funding FAQ’s

  • The projected cost of the comprehensive project stands at approximately $37 million. To fund this initiative, the district has adopted a multifaceted financial strategy. We are utilizing general obligation bonds, coupled with generous contributions from our supportive community members.

    Our approach incorporates a wrap-around debt structure, which replaces matured (paid-off) debt with new debt, ensuring a consistent debt budget for the district throughout the life of the new financing. Notably, we have already successfully secured nearly half of the required funding and intend to secure the remaining funds incrementally over the next few years. This financial plan underscores our commitment to responsibly and sustainably realizing this vital project for our school community.

  • The Pennington project has been carefully structured to minimize its financial impact on taxpayers. Specifically, the use of the wrap-around debt structure for Pennington project bonds ensures that there are no anticipated tax increases tied directly to this project. The current debt payment levels, already factored into the District's budget, are designed to cover all future debt payments related to the Pennington project. This means that taxpayers can rest assured that their financial commitments will remain stable and not be affected by this initiative.

Traffic and Parking FAQ

  • We understand the community’s concerns about safety and traffic congestion on Bethel Road, particularly during school drop-off and pick-up times. It's important to note that this project is designed with careful consideration of these issues in mind.

    First and foremost, it's important to clarify that this project will not result in an increase in the number of cars or buses accessing Garnet Valley High School and the Pennington campus. Our school start times, bus fleet, student population, and staffing levels will remain unchanged. Therefore, we anticipate that traffic patterns will largely remain the same. In fact, we believe the new driveway connecting our bus depot to the high school will help alleviate afternoon traffic by allowing buses to access the high school directly for dismissal, without the need to use Station, Smithbridge, and Bethel Roads.

    To further address these concerns, our architectural firm and its engineering contractors are in the process of conducting a comprehensive traffic study in and around the campus. The results of this study will be shared with the planning commission and PennDOT for their input and approval, as Bethel Road is considered a state highway. This ensures that we are addressing any traffic-related issues responsibly and in accordance with the appropriate regulatory agencies.

    In addition to these measures, the district has plans to widen the high school entrance at Bethel Road and add a retaining wall to enhance the safety of the entry and exit points on campus. We will also relocate the entrance to the Pennington building further up Bethel Road to improve sightlines. Furthermore, we are committed to adding sidewalks along Bethel Road and adjacent to the driveway leading to the high school to enhance safety for pedestrians.

    We take the safety and well-being of our students, staff, and the community seriously, and these enhancements are integral to our commitment to a secure and efficient transportation environment. Your concerns are valid, and we are actively addressing them as part of our planning and design process.

  • The markings you're noticing on the roads and various surfaces around Pennington School are an essential part of our project to ensure the safety of all individuals involved. These markings serve the purpose of identifying the locations of underground utilities, including electricity, gas lines, and more. This information is crucial for all those working on the project to prevent accidental damage or disruptions to these essential services.

  • Allowing high school students to drive to school is a decision made in consideration of the unique circumstances faced by many of our families. While we acknowledge the inherent risk associated with inexperienced drivers, it is essential to recognize that numerous families rely on their teenagers' ability to drive to meet various responsibilities. These responsibilities may include transporting siblings, attending after-school jobs, participating in extracurricular activities, and handling adult-like responsibilities that often require them to leave school immediately or return home well after the buses have ceased operation. Balancing these practical needs with safety concerns is a challenge that requires thoughtful consideration.

  • Yes. Each student is charged a $50 annual fee. In 2023-23, students purchased 368 passes.

  • The parking spaces at the Pennington Property will primarily serve our dedicated employees working in various essential roles, including maintenance, transportation, technology, and special education. Furthermore, the property will function as our central bus depot, housing our entire fleet of school buses. This dual-purpose utilization ensures efficient operations while providing necessary parking accommodations for our staff who play crucial roles in supporting our educational mission.

Synthetic Turf Fields FAQ

  • The need for additional turf fields in our district arises from several compelling reasons:

    ‣ High Demand: Our thriving sports community consists of over 1,100 student-athletes actively participating in 18 PIAA athletics programs. These athletes compete in the highly competitive Central League, which includes schools such as Ridley, Haverford, Wallingford Swarthmore, Tredyffrin Easttown, Lower Merion, and Springfield. Having only one turf field available creates scheduling challenges, especially during the unpredictable spring weather.

    ‣ Safety Concerns: The condition of our existing grass fields has significantly deteriorated due to factors like erosion. These fields now pose safety risks to our athletes, with mounds, ruts, holes, and uneven surfaces. Addressing these issues is crucial for the safety and well-being of our student-athletes and the effective operation of our sports programs.

    ‣ Year-Round Use: Additional turf fields would enable year-round use, regardless of weather conditions, and would significantly increase playable hours on our existing fields. This ensures that student-athletes can practice and compete without interruptions due to inclement weather.

    ‣ Enhanced Safety and Competitiveness: Turf fields provide a safe and consistent playing surface for a variety of sports, including field hockey, lacrosse, soccer, baseball, and softball. This consistency ensures better footing for players, enhancing athlete safety and performance.

    ‣ Scheduling Flexibility: Turf fields offer scheduling flexibility, accommodating increased use and simultaneous practices or games, making it easier to manage busy student-athlete schedules. Additionally, these fields can be used by the community for various sports and recreational activities, promoting community engagement.

    ‣ Cost and Resource Savings: Turf fields are cost-effective and require less maintenance than natural grass fields. They eliminate the need for weekly mowing, fertilizing, and pesticide application, contributing to a more environmentally friendly and sustainable approach to maintaining our sports facilities.

  • Artificial turf fields are generally considered safe for sports and recreational activities. However, like any surface, they come with their own set of considerations and potential risks. Here are some factors to consider:

    ‣ Surface Temperature: Artificial turf can become significantly hotter than natural grass on sunny days, which can lead to discomfort and an increased risk of heat-related illnesses for athletes. This issue is more pronounced in regions with hot climates.

    ‣ Injury Risk: Some studies have suggested that artificial turf may have a slightly higher injury risk compared to natural grass, particularly when it comes to non-contact injuries such as skin abrasions, turf burns, and joint injuries. However, the evidence on this is mixed, and advancements in turf technology have led to safer playing surfaces.

    ‣ Impact on Joint Health: There have been concerns that the hardness of artificial turf may contribute to joint injuries, particularly in soccer and football. However, newer turf systems often include shock-absorbing underlayers to mitigate this concern.

    ‣ Microplastics: Artificial turf fields are made from plastic materials, and over time, tiny particles of plastic (microplastics) can break off and become a concern for the environment. This issue is more related to the disposal and maintenance of artificial turf fields.

    ‣ Proper Maintenance: The safety of artificial turf fields largely depends on proper maintenance, including regular cleaning and disinfection to prevent bacterial and fungal growth.

    It's important to note that many advancements have been made in artificial turf technology to address these concerns and make these fields safer. Additionally, local regulations and maintenance practices can vary, so the safety of a specific artificial turf field may depend on how it's installed and maintained.

    Ultimately, the decision on whether artificial turf fields are considered "dangerous" should take into account factors like field quality, maintenance procedures, and local climate conditions.

  • The district has established a comprehensive approach to maintain the fields and surrounding areas at the highest standard. We currently collaborate with two trusted service providers:

    ‣ Grounds Maintenance by Joy Services, Inc.: Joy Services, Inc. is responsible for the upkeep of our outdoor spaces, including fields and surrounding greenery. Their expertise in grounds maintenance ensures that our outdoor areas remain safe, attractive, and functional.

    ‣ Custodial Services by SSC: Our custodial services, managed by SSC, play a crucial role in maintaining the cleanliness and orderliness of our facilities. This extends to both indoor and outdoor spaces.

    We maintain close communication and coordination with these service providers to ensure that the maintenance of all district facilities aligns with the high expectations of our school community. By leveraging the expertise and commitment of these partners, we are confident in our ability to provide a safe, clean, and well-maintained environment for all students, staff, and visitors.

Safety and Security FAQ

  • The district will take several proactive measures to mitigate the risk of fuel spills from their transportation depots to neighboring areas. Here are some of strategies that we will use:

    ‣ Stringent Maintenance Procedures: We will adhere to strict maintenance protocols for their transportation vehicles, including regular inspections of fuel tanks, hoses, and connectors. Preventive maintenance reduces the likelihood of leaks or equipment failures that could lead to fuel spills.

    ‣ Well-Maintained Infrastructure: The district will ensure that fuel storage tanks are in good condition, properly grounded, and equipped with leak detection systems. Regular inspections and maintenance of the depot infrastructure are a crucial piece of our safety plan.

    ‣ Spill Response Plans: We have a comprehensive spill response plan in place. These plans outline the steps to be taken in the event of a spill, including containment, cleanup, and notification procedures. Staff members are trained to respond quickly and effectively to contain and manage spills.

    ‣ Employee Training: Transportation depot personnel receive training in safe fuel handling procedures and spill prevention. They are educated on the importance of leak detection and reporting any potential issues promptly.

    ‣ Secondary Containment: The fuel storage area will have secondary containment systems, such as berms and spill containment pallets, to prevent spilled fuel from reaching the surrounding environment.

    ‣ Regular Inspections: Routine inspections of fuel storage tanks, pipelines, and fueling equipment are conducted to identify and address any potential issues before they lead to spills.

    ‣ Environmental Compliance: The district will comply with all environmental regulations and permitting requirements related to fuel storage and handling.

    ‣ Emergency Response Coordination: The district will collaborate with local emergency response agencies to ensure a coordinated response in case of a significant fuel spill. This includes having emergency contact information readily available and conducting drills to test response readiness.

    ‣ Fuel Delivery Protocols: When fuel is delivered to the transportation depot, protocols are in place to ensure safe and spill-free deliveries. These protocols include verifying the qualifications of fuel delivery personnel and conducting inspections before and after each delivery.

    By implementing these measures, we will continue to work diligently to reduce the risk of fuel spills and protect both our facilities and our neighbors.

  • The Garnet Valley School District will be able to have enhanced safety and security measures in place due the total rebuild of the Pennington Elementary School. While some of the existing structure will remain, all of the mechanical, structural and interior walls will be replaced. The architectural firm has been able to incorporate security features into the design. Secure lobbies, cameras, lighting, controlled access points, doorways, locks and window placement and size have been integrated into the design/rebuild of the Pennington School.

Miscellaneous FAQ

  • The term “sidewalk” is misleading. The Smithbridge Road Project calls for a multi-use path that will allow for both pedestrian and bicycle use. The path is proposed to meet the overall multimodal goals of the project and is the minimum width PENNDOT typically prefers for these types of projects.

  • Absolutely, the GVSD Board of Governors is committed to fostering a strong sense of community and recognizes the value of allowing our community members to utilize our facilities. We have a policy in place to ensure fair and safe access while also prioritizing student and school-related activities.

    Our policy is guided by the following principles:

    ‣ Safety and Respect: We encourage community members to use our facilities while adhering to safety guidelines and showing respect for the school environment. Safety is paramount, and all users must prioritize it.

    ‣ Priority for Student/School Activities: While we welcome community use, it's important to note that student and school-related activities always take precedence. We aim to strike a balance that ensures minimal disruption to our educational programs.

    ‣ Non-Discriminatory Access: Our facilities are open to individuals and community groups without discrimination. We are committed to providing access to our facilities in accordance with board policy.

    ‣ Permitted Activities: We allow the use of school facilities for various activities, including:

    ‣ Instruction in education, learning, and the arts, in line with our district's mission.

    ‣ Social, civic, and recreational meetings, as well as community welfare-related events. These uses are open to the public without charge.

    ‣ Polling places for elections, as permitted or required by state law.

    ‣ Recreation, physical training, and athletics, including competitive contests for both children and adults.

    ‣ Schedule of Fees: To support the maintenance and upkeep of our facilities, the Board has established a schedule of fees for approved groups using our school facilities. These fees help ensure the continued availability and quality of our facilities for community use.

    In summary, our commitment is to maintain an open and inclusive policy that allows our community to benefit from our facilities while ensuring the well-being of our students and the integrity of our educational programs. We look forward to continuing to serve as a hub for community activities and engagement.