Pennsylvania High School Plans Gender-Neutral Bathrooms in $76 Million Renovation
Strath Haven High School will replace gendered restrooms with 'universal toilet rooms' as part of a larger facility upgrade.
Wallingford-Swarthmore School District in Pennsylvania has unveiled plans to construct gender-neutral bathroom facilities at Strath Haven High School. The change is part of a comprehensive renovation project estimated to cost approximately $76 million.
The architectural plans presented to the school board include the installation of "universal toilet rooms" on each of the building's four floors. These facilities will replace the existing gendered bathrooms and feature individual, fully enclosed stalls with floor-to-ceiling walls and doors, along with a shared sink area.
The redesign aims to enhance student privacy, safety, and supervision, according to a district spokesperson. The universal bathrooms will be equipped with vape detection technology and fire alarm devices. Cameras will monitor the entry and exit points outside the rooms to ensure enhanced supervision while maintaining privacy within the individual stalls.
The project also includes new science classrooms, infrastructure improvements, and expanded academic space. The student newspaper, The Panther Press, reported that the architect, Mike Kelly of Kelly Clough Baker and Associates, stated the design would also help the administration control bathroom usage and address loitering issues. "We’ve seen this in a lot of schools really cutting down on behavior issues that happen in restrooms," Kelly said.
The Wallingford-Swarthmore School District confirmed that the schematic design, including the universal toilet rooms, was recently approved by the Board of School Directors. While the majority of the project's budget is allocated to infrastructure upgrades and renovations of the existing school, additional details on specific costs are available in publicly posted design presentations.
The district noted that some traditional restroom layouts will remain in the existing school. The total project budget is capped at $70 million, with the renovation expected to significantly upgrade the high school's facilities.