Council Rock Officials Present Goodnoe Sketch Plans to Supervisors

Council Rock School District officials presented sketch plans for the Goodnoe Elementary School renovation project at a Newtown Township Board of Supervisors meeting Wednesday.

The $13.1 million project will renovate the existing building as well as add 16,000 square feet to the school, including 11 new classrooms, district officials explained. There will be a new main entrance, new bus and parent drop-off areas and a stage for performances, among other improvements.

The supervisors expressed support for the sketch plans. “It looks good, I’m glad you’re doing it,” said supervisor Jerry Schenkman.

Board chairman Rob Ciervo said he’s glad to hear the modular classrooms will be removed. “They’ve been there a long time,” he said.

Earlier this month, the Council Rock School Board approved a project “PlanCon” (Planning and Construction Workbook) to be submitted to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. A PlanCon submission shows the estimated cost and preliminary design for the project.

The project will proceed through the land development process with Newtown Township. School officials said Wednesday that the project engineer, Tri-State Engineers, intends to submit plans to the township next month.

The project’s architect is Schrader Group Architecture of Philadelphia.  “The purpose of this project is to bring Goodnoe Elementary up to current standards and to create equity among the elementary schools,” the project overview drafted by the architect states.

The project overview also stated the following improvements: addition of central air-conditioning and sprinklers, handicap accessibility upgrades and installation of energy-efficient lighting and plumbing equipment.

Areas for art and music will be improved; the art classroom will get new flooring, as well as additional power outlets and storage areas, according to the project overview. The flooring in the gym will be replaced with wood and new basketball backstops installed. The library will get new furnishings and finishes, according to the overview.