School Board Approves Change Order for Gym

Big projects always result in change orders, most reflecting increases and, when lucky, a decrease or two.

On Wednesday, the approved a change order they probably realized was coming, given recent events.

The board OK'd a $155,000 payment to Wohlsen Construction that was the result of the long delay in the delivery of heating/ventilation/air conditioning equipment for the new $15 million gym at .

Upon questioning from board member Wayne Lewis, business director Jack Myers said he expects a “substantial” portion of that cost to be reimbursed through insurance. He also said the cost was negotiated by the district and once stood $35,000 to $45,000 higher.

Myers previously reported the HVAC equipment arrived from Jordan seven months late and as a result temporary equipment had to be installed.

This week's opening of the gym/community center also was delayed by August storms that caused $242,000 worth of damage to the floor. Myers has also said he expects that amount to be covered by insurance.

Up next for the school board is its fourth recent hearing for a charter school application. Founders of the successful MaST Charter School in northeast Philly are proposing the K-12 Isaac Newton Academy Charter School. The facility, which would begin as a K-4 school, has the support of Mayor Joseph Digirolamo and Councilman Joe Pilieri.

The hearing is scheduled to begin at 7 pm at the district office at 3000 Donallen Drive.

The board has 75 days from hearing dates to decide on charter school applications. Rejections can be appealed to the state.

The township has one charter school, School Lane. The K-8 school recently requested a new charter to open a high school. A decision has not yet been rendered.