Sims Architects Inc. / PlanCon

I N T R O D U C T I O N

This booklet is designed to help answer some of the most frequently asked questions about the PlanCon process. It is an attempt to demystify the process and help more individuals understand it. Most of the information included herein as answers to the questions comes directly from PlanCon instructions and forms provided by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, Division of School Facilities.

The goal is simple: help as many districts as possible improve their schools for the students (and future leaders) of Pennsylvania. This booklet is one tangible way of reaching that goal. If we can be of assistance in answering your PlanCon questions, please do not hesiate to contact our office.

The entire PLANCON booklet is available in PDF format. You may receive the password (free of charge - which will allow you to open and print it) by contacting Sims Architects.

PLANCON (.pdf)
Section 1		Page
1a	If a district is in need of educational facilities, will the Commonwealth provide the funds to build them?	55
1b	What is PlanCon ?	5
1c	Will the Commonwealth contribute to a project of alterations and/or additions to an existing school building?	5
1d	What are the different PlanCon parts?	6
1e	The documentation of “PlanCon” is rigidly structured alphabetically in Parts A through J. Is the intent that school districts work through one part at a time before progressing to the next one?	7
1f	How long does it take to process a “PlanCon” project?	7
Section 2		Page
2a	What are some of the supplemental materials that a school district must provide in the “PlanCon” processing of a project?	8
2b	What is a Feasibility Study?	8
2c	Can a district submit a Feasibility Study to PDE that was done three years ago?	8
2d	What are Educational Specifications?	8
Section 3		Page
3a	How can we maximize reimbursement?	9
3b	Do renovation projects receive greater reimbursement than new construction projects?	9
3c	How does the reimbursement process work?	11
3d	Can a school district gain reimbursement for renovations to a multi-story school building constructed of wood?	11
3e	How is reimbursement determined for a roof replacement project?	11
3f	Can a school district be reimbursed by the Commonwealth for an asbestos abatement project?	12
3g	Is land acquisition reimbursable?	12
3h	Are school districts required to obtain approval from the Commonwealth for projects that are not reimbursed through “PlanCon”?	12
3h	Are school districts required to obtain approval from the Commonwealth for projects that are not reimbursed through “PlanCon”?	12
3i	If we live in one of the wealthier school districts and our level of reimbursement is relatively low, must we initiate “PlanCon” for our school building/alteration projects?	12
Section 4		Page
4a	What if a school district only wants to renovate a portion of a school?	13
4b	How has the 20%/60% rule changed?	13
4c	What is the basis for the “Twenty Percent Rule” in qualifying for “PlanCon” Projects?	13
4d	How is the “Replacement Value” of a school calculated?	14
4e	How can school districts benefit from the “Twenty Year Rule”?	14
Section 5		Page
5a	What is Act 34?	15
5b	When is an Act 34 Hearing required?	15
5c	Are there any special requirements for the Act 34 Hearing?	15
5d	When is a second Act 34 Hearing required?	16
5e	When is a referendum required?	16
Section 6		Page
6a	If a school district has multiple “PlanCon” projects that will be bid at the same time, can the bids be combined in order to get lower prices?	17
6b	When can a district enter into a contract with a contractor for their PlanCon project?	17
6c	What must a school district do after receiving bids and “PlanCon” Part G approval in order to start receiving payments from the Commonwealth?	17
6d	When do Change Orders have to be reported?	17
Section 7		Page
7a	Can the Commonwealth waive any of the rules that are found in the “PlanCon” process?	18
7b	Can PDE stop a project?	18
7c	What does the law require in closing a school?	18

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