The Bethlehem Area School District Facilities Committee presented its capital improvement plan for 2025-26 Nov. 4, and discussed maintaining its community/neighborhood school approach to education, rather than the large area school concept.

Several board members attested to parents supporting smaller neighborhood schools. One of the problems from a facility viewpoint is that some of these schools are aging faster than others, making upkeep and maintenance financially challenging. Federal funding between 2020 and 2024 helped the district complete last year’s major projects.

This year’s major project is the construction of the new Fountain Hill ES. Chief Facilities Officer Mark Stein said current realities of each facility’s condition “add pressure to adjust priorities and plans.” The capital improvement plan includes plans to update William Penn and Thomas Jefferson elementary schools. “The HVAC is failing and requires regular attention. It is a 30-year-old system with a 20-year-old life expectancy,” said Stein. “It needs a full system replacement.” This is slated to begin in the summer of 2026.

Board member Dr. Silagh White shared her concerns and asked, “What if the heat fails before our scheduled replacement?” Stein reassured the board that the schools will have heat and there are funds available for emergency situations.

Superintendent Dr. Jack Silva said, “Budget conversations will happen before we move forward.”

The Curriculum Committee presented the Program of Study for several courses that will change in the 2025-26 school year, as well as the 2023-2024 Advanced Placement Equity and Excellence update. The committee also discussed the Evening Alternative Program that is designed for students who have been expelled. The classes are taught by BASD staff and meet at Liberty HS Tuesday-Thursday 3-6 p.m.

The Finance and Human Relations committees were scheduled to meet Nov. 11 at the Education Center.