Cephas announces grants to renovate Overbrook High School
Rep. Morgan B. Cephas October 22, 2024 | 3:13 PM
HARRISBURG, Oct. 22 – State Rep. Morgan Cephas, D-Phila. today announced that the School District of Philadelphia has been awarded two grants from the Public School Facility Improvement Grant Program totaling $8.65 million to support renovation projects at Overbrook High School.
The projects will renovate the auditorium and replace the roof at the historic 98-year-old building.
- $5 million was awarded for roof replacement, HVAC, energy savings, plus health and safety upgrades in the school auditorium, including complete asbestos and lead paint abatement, and removing moldy walls and ceilings.
- $3.65 million was awarded for the roof replacement project for the entire school, due to ongoing leak issues that have escalated air quality and mold concerns.
The School District of Philadelphia will provide $10.75 million in matching funds to cover the total cost of both projects.
“At nearly 100 years old, Overbrook High School is one of the oldest and most iconic school buildings in Philadelphia but riddled with environmental concerns following years of disrepair. With its easily distinguishable architecture and beauty, these renovation projects will keep this star of our community shining for future generations,” said Cephas.
“This is part of our commitment to remediating toxic school buildings across the state. I’m thankful that the Shapiro administration understood the dire need of these restorations so that we can keep Overbrook High healthy, safe and clean for our students, teachers and staff.”
The PSFIG Program was created to provide grants to public school districts and area career and technical schools for eligible facility improvement projects. The program is administered by the state Department of Community and Economic Development under the direction of the Commonwealth Financing Authority. Grants are available for eligible improvement projects with a total project cost of $500,000 or more and grants shall not exceed $5,000,000 for any project.
