The East Penn Board of School Directors held a special meeting March 7 to review the district-wide facility study. In keeping with recent District Health & Safety Plan changes, face coverings were optional.

Michael Kelly, Emily Liuzza and James M. Keiffer, with KCBA Architects, presented their findings and suggestions regarding a district-wide facility study. The firm was hired by the district in June 2021 to review the condition and capacity of East Penn’s seven elementary schools, two middle schools and the high school.

The study included current conditions and enrollment as well as projected district enrollment and needs for the next 10 years.

“The existing schools are in very good condition,” Kelly reported. He complimented the district for its proactive maintenance planning.

He noted there were some overcrowding and future growth issues at the high school and the elementary schools. Kelly said there is a need to “create 21st century learning spaces” in the secondary schools.

Many of the items listed by KCBA requiring attention are to bring the buildings up to code and Americans with Disabilities Act compliance. These include replacing some stairs and handrails and adding exhaust systems to nurse’s suites.

The existing elementary schools together are at 85 percent of recommended maximum capacity. With a projected increase in enrollment and an increased need for special education classrooms, these buildings will soon exceed that targeted capacity. It is projected by 2031 the elementary schools would be at 93.82 percent.

To address this, Kelly provided three possible solutions. Enlarging one or more of the existing schools or constructing a new elementary school were two of the options.

Enlarging Lincoln Elementary would cost between $25-29 million and would require a 3-story addition with a new gymnasium. The older building would be torn down as it would be too expensive to renovate.

Jefferson Elementary School would have a new 3-story addition including a new gym at between $14-$18 million.

Constructing a 3-story addition to Alburtis Elementary School is projected to cost between $10-$13 million.

Erecting an eighth elementary school on campus property adjacent to Lower Macungie Middle School or on district property along Quarry Road near Route 100 would create space for 650 students but would cost around $44-$50 million and require redistricting.

The board was intrigued by the third suggested option of moving the fifth grade out of the elementary schools. This grade realignment would involve Eyer Middle School being converted to a grade 5 and 6 center. Lower Macungie Middle School would become a grade 7 and 8 center.

This would not only eliminate the need to expand or build elementary schools, but would end duplication of services at the middle school level. A proposed 2-story addition to Eyer Middle School is estimated to cost between $17-$21 million. A 3-story addition at Lower Macungie Middle School is estimated to cost $16-$20 million. There would be no need for redistricting at the middle school level. All students would pass through these buildings.

Liuzza presented issues and possible solutions to Emmaus High School. She explained the building is already at 90.07 percent capacity and is expected to stay that way through 2031.

There was a need for additional space for alternative education programs and areas for “collaborative learning.”

A 3-story addition is proposed for the northeast corner of the existing school and would face Harrison Street. Additional work involves moving administrative offices to the locker commons area and VESPA (Virtual East Penn Academy) would go in where the offices had been. This is projected to cost $19-$24 million.

The architectural team noted the gymnasium and auditorium are undersized. They suggested demolishing the existing auditorium and building a new gym on the site and rebuilding the auditorium where the old gym was.

This would align the back of the stage with the band room. Gymnasium seating would increase from 760 to 2,500 and the auditorium seating would expand from 750 to 900. This would come at a cost of $16-$21 million and an alternate auditorium space would need to be utilized for the duration of the demo and construction.

Impressed with the survey and suggestions, school directors and Superintendent Kristen Campbell determined the next steps to follow involve arranging public information and feedback sessions for sometime in the spring.

School Director Alisa Bowman suggested including a plan for how to best utilize the district property near Route 100 if it is not to be built on for some time.

The next regular school board meeting is scheduled for March 14. The public can access documents through BoardDocs via a link on the district website. Live streaming of meetings is available on the district’s YouTube channel.