Our Capital Projects
Make a GiftCapital Projects Goal
Raised: $2,015,725 / Goal: $2,750,000 over 3 years
Dorm Bathrooms
The renovation of the dorms' communal bathrooms will provide aesthetic and functional upgrades which are more in line with current sensibilities. This redesign will also increase resource efficiency and address our students' desire for greater privacy in these facilities; additionally, Scattergood's gender-inclusive housing policy has created living spaces which provide families greater choice in where their students live—now it's time for structural changes to support this policy and the needs of all students in our care.
Geothermal
In recent years we have seen overall higher temperatures, prolonged droughts causing an increase in dust from rural roadways, and decreased air quality due to high pollen counts and smoke from wildfires. Between late spring and fall of 2023 we experienced long periods where individuals were advised not to be outside for these very reasons. In order to provide comfortable and safe living conditions for students, staff, and guests of the school, we need to be able to control air movement and cool our buildings.
In keeping with the school’s mission to be better stewards of our environment, Scattergood installed three solar arrays in December, 2023. These arrays are designed to cover 99% of our energy usage; to further our commitment to sustainable energy, we decided to pursue a geothermal HVAC system for the dorms instead of a traditional air conditioning system. Geothermal energy will add cooling in the hot months and provide heating in the cold months, reducing our current usage of natural gas. Thanks to its environmental benefits and energy bill savings, the higher upfront cost will be a worthwhile expense.
Due to the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), the geothermal project is eligible for a 40% tax credit. This comes to the school in the form of a rebate once the project is completed. These savings make the project feasible for us.
Sprinklers
Both dorm buildings must be fully outfitted with fire-suppression systems. This includes both floors of the West Dorm and all three floors of the Main Building. In the event of a fire, the sprinklers will give the West Branch Fire Department extra time to reach campus, saving lives. Because we are not on municipal water, a reservoir tank capable of holding 15,000 gallons of water will be buried behind the West Dorm. Both systems will be able to draw from this water source.
Water Well
Water is life. Without access to clean water, operations at Scattergood would grind to a halt. The well that currently supplies this critical resource to campus is over 75 years old! It has served our community effectively during this time, and we’ve maintained and repaired along the way to be environmentally and fiscally sustainable. During a recent inspection, the well servicer informed us that the well is almost beyond repair. Before we enter an emergency situation that would negatively impact our school community, we are drilling a new well and connecting it to our current water system. This includes the existing piping, water treatment, and water heating. The main well provides water to the Main Building, Instruction Building, Art Building, Gym, Science Building, and Berquist House.
