Archive of Previous Phases
Please note: The information below reflects previous phases of the new construction process and is provided for reference only.
For the most current status, click here.
MHS Campus Planning Process
Schematic Design
- The Board of School Directors, at their October 28, 2025 meeting, unanimously provided approval for the High School Renovation Design Team to proceed forward into the schematic design phase.
- The Schematic Design Phase involved taking the proposed renovation concept from initial rough sketches and drawings into architectural and spatial layouts with greater detail, more refined cost estimates, and clearer project phasing and timelines.
-
The Board of School Directors were presented with the outcome of the schematic design in February 2026, at which time they made the determination to proceed to the next phase called Design Development.
Schematic Design Phase presentations:
- November 25, 2025 - MHS Additions & Renovations - Update for Property Committee and Regular Board Meeting
- January 27, 2026 - MHS Additions & Renovations - Board Update
Renovation Feasibility & Planning
At its regular meeting on April 29, 2025, the Methacton Board of School Directors was presented with a process for prioritizing necessary improvements, renovations, and potential new construction at Methacton High School and its campus. The purpose was to give the design
team direction as they prepare a slate of viable renovation options for the Board’s review in September/October 2025.
Recognizing the robust community input already gathered when considering a full campus overhaul, the goal of this session was to distill those ideas into a focused set of priorities. This effort was aimed at shaping a scaled-back scope of work that still meets critical needs but
does so with significantly reduced financial investment.
During the meeting, Board members engaged in a high-level prioritization exercise, reviewing a comprehensive list of campus needs along with item descriptions. That list of items under consideration can be found here and the top two priority categories are:
|
Priority 1 |
Priority 2 |
|---|---|
|
Improve traffic flow to eliminate congestion & car traffic at arrival/dismissal |
Connect to public sewer and demolish on-site treatment plant |
|
Address building internal traffic flow, hallway congestion, and outdoor transition |
Increase quantity of parking spaces |
|
Create Fitness/Wellness Center |
Create STEAM Center |
| Create Life Skills apartment transition spaces | Create Fab Lab |
| Create commons space to enable Lunch & Learn Program | Auditorium: Build new and included ADA improvements |
| Improvements to educational performing arts spaces | |
| Enlarge classrooms to 800 sq. ft. |
Renovation and Feasibility Presentations
Watch Regular Board Meetings and Work Sessions here.
- October 21, 2025 | Work Session
- October 15, 2025 | Finance Committee
- September 18, 2025 | Public Forum on MHS Campus Renovation
- September 16, 2025 | Work Session
- September 11, 2025 | Public Forum on MHS Campus Renovation
- August 26, 2025 | Regular Meeting
- August 19, 2025 | Work Session
- August 7, 2025 | Property Committee
- July 22, 2025 | Regular Meeting
- June 24, 2025 | Regular Meeting
- May 21, 2025 | Work Session
- April 29, 2025 | Regular Meeting
- April 9, 2025 | Finance Committee Meeting
- March 25, 2025 | Regular Meeting
- March 18, 2025 | Work Session
- March 12, 2025 | Finance Committee
Concept Design
Concept Design Phase
Present 3 concepts:
- 3 distinct concept designs
- Each concept includes the baseline program spaces
- Each concept allows for any of 12 alternates
- Each concept provides cost and alternate costs (add/deduct)
Target: October 29, 2024 - Regular voting meeting of the Board of School Directors
Consider proceeding forward with schematic design/ Design Development phases
Process/ Timeline
| Date | Group | Topic | Location/Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8/20/2024 | Board Work Session |
Present concept designs/ outline next steps |
Arcola Auditorium - 7 PM |
| 8/27/2024 | August Regular Meeting of the Board |
Present budget impact analysis |
Arcola Auditorium - 7 PM |
| 9/4/2024 | Open Public Forum |
Present concept designs and budget impact |
High School Auditorium - 7 PM |
| 9/9/2024 | Open Public Forum | Present concept designs and budget impact | High School Library - 7 PM |
| 9/12/2024 | Open Public Forum | Present concept designs and budget impact | High School Auditorium - 7 PM |
| 9/17/2024 | Board Work Session | Present feedback from public / seek direction from Board | Arcola Auditorium - 7 PM |
| 10/2/2024 | Open Public Forum | Present feedback from public / seek direction from Board | High School Library - 7 PM |
| 10/9/2024 | Special Meeting of the Board | Present process to date and hear feedback from public | Arcola Auditorium - 7 PM |
| 10/22/2024 | Board Work Session | Present feedback from public / seek direction from Board | Arcola Auditorium - 7 PM |
| 10/29/2024 | Regular Board Meeting | Board Vote | Arcola Auditorium - 7 PM |
Schematic Design
Schematic Design Phase
On March 19, 2025, Dr. Zerbe recommended to the Board of School Directors that they consider exploring alternative renovation options, as the rising costs of a new high school building and campus would create a significant financial challenge. See his full message here.
In this phase of the high school planning process:
- Develop a preliminary set of documents including site plan, floor plans, and building elevations and a narrative specification outlining the overall building area and arrangement, site features, building materials and proposed mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire protection systems.
- Provide a cost estimate based on the above documents.
- Submit sketch plan to Worcester Township to begin the Land Development process.
- Begin utility applications for work associated with the HS project.
Timeline - Design Schedule:
Milestones 2024-2025: Schematic Design
Dates: 10/29/24 - 3/18/25
Board Decision: 3/25/25
The Board was presented with design updates and a cost estimate update in March for a vote on whether to proceed forward into the Design Development phase of the planning process.
Key Updates:
- Held close neighbor (500ft) meeting to answer questions on current status and impact of construction and final outcome. See summary of feedback here.
- Currently projecting (if we proceed forward) student move into new building in December 2028
- Current proposal includes a 3 story building
- First meeting before the Worcester Township Planning Commission is scheduled for February 27.