Time to Bloom Update 6/7/26

At the June 4 Work Session, Phil Solomon from ICS updated the School Board regarding the K-1 Early Learning Center. A recording of the full presentation is available on our YouTube channel. The slide show presentation is available on the RTMSD website.

Project Status

• The Early Learning Center project remains on track for an anticipated opening in 2029.
• Land development submissions have been accepted by Middletown Township after resolving an environmental impact assessment issue.
• The project is transitioning from Design Development into the Construction Documents phase.
• Building design has not changed significantly since the last update.

Site and Athletic Field Updates

Athletic fields have been repositioned approximately 40 feet to:

• Increase the buffer between the fields and neighboring properties.
• Provide flexibility for potential future easement discussions with nearby property owners.

• Enhance privacy for neighbors.
• Provide visual buffering.
• Improve aesthetics and shade.

Budget Update

The project currently remains within budget.

Budget projections assume approximately 3% inflation.

The project is expected to remain within budget at 4% inflation.

At 5% inflation, the project could exceed budget estimates.

Cost pressures being monitored include:

• Oil price fluctuations.
• Tariffs.
• Labor and material shortages.
• Rising costs in electrical and construction trades.

A value engineering review is underway to prepare for potential cost increases. The goal is to identify $1–2 million in optional cost-saving alternatives without affecting educational programming. Examples could include alternative construction materials or building components. Any proposed alternates would be presented to the Board for approval before implementation. Administration, architects, engineers, and district staff will collaborate on evaluating options.

Enrollment and Capacity Considerations

The building size was developed using enrollment projections and demographic studies. The district will continue monitoring student population trends. The design includes capacity flexibility to accommodate enrollment fluctuations.

Solar Readiness

The building will be designed as solar-ready:

• Electrical systems will be prepared to accommodate future solar installations.
• The roof will be capable of supporting solar panels.

Solar canopies over parking lots were discussed but are not currently planned due to cost. Future grant opportunities may support solar implementation.

Road Realignment Project

More detailed engineering has refined cost estimates for the road realignment project with a current estimated cost at approximately $3.7 million. The district continues to pursue grant funding to offset these costs. A second grant application will be submitted in July. Support letters have been received from:

• State legislators.
• Delaware County officials.

District leaders expressed optimism about grant opportunities, though no funding is guaranteed.

Schedule Update

Key Upcoming Milestones:

• July 1, 2026: Township review comments expected.
• July 14, 2026: Presentation to the Middletown Township Planning Commission at Penn State Brandywine.
• December 2026: ACT 34 public hearing.
• March 2027: Construction documents completed.
• March–April 2027: Bidding process.
• May 2027: Contract awards.
• July 2027–August 2029: Construction period.

Traffic and Permitting

Traffic Impact Study review comments are expected in early July. The district will then proceed with the Highway Occupancy Permit process. Traffic review and permitting are expected to be iterative and ongoing throughout development.

Community Engagement

Adjacent property owners will be notified of key land development meetings via certified mail. The district will continue providing public updates through its normal communication channels. A more detailed project update is expected at the Board's Work Session on September 10, 2026.

Overall Takeaway

• The project remains on schedule and within budget.
• District leaders are proactively planning for potential inflation-related cost increases through value engineering.
• Site design, buffering, traffic planning, and road improvements continue to advance.
• Grant opportunities are being pursued to reduce road project costs.
• The district remains focused on opening the Kindergarten and First Grade Early Learning Center for the 2029–30 school year.

A full history of the K-1 Early Learning Center project may be found at the Time to Bloom web page link below. Thank you for your continued interest in the Early Learning Center project. We appreciate the community's engagement as we work to create a modern, welcoming learning environment that will benefit students for years to come.