Lehighton Area School District has released the results of the 10-question survey to residents about the proposed building project.

Rather than renovating its four elementary school buildings, the district is currently looking at replacing them with a new elementary center. Costs for either renovations or new construction are projected to be roughly the same. However, the question is whether state funding is available.In addition, the school district is looking at $10.7 million to renovate the middle school and $9.3 million to renovate the high school. This brings the total projected building costs throughout the school district to $52.5 million.According to superintendent Jonathan J. Cleaver, 718 responded to the survey.Respondents were able to check more than one answer to the questions.The questions and replies:What is your role in the Lehighton education community?Student: 4.46 percent, 32 respondentsParent/guardian: 50.42 percent, 362Staff member: 24.93 percent, 179Community member: 35.10 percent, 252How important do you think it is forthe Lehighton Area School District to upgrade its buildings?Very important: 41.64 percent, 299Somewhat important: 35.24 percent, 253Not very important: 10.58 percent, 76Not important: 12.53 percent, 90How well informed do you consider yourself in regards to the potentialbuilding projects being proposed at the Lehighton Area School District?Very informed: 37.05 percent, 266Somewhat informed: 44.01 percent, 316Not very informed: 14.07 percent, 101Not informed: 4.87 percent, 35From what sources have you received information about the district-wide facility plan for Lehighton Area School District?Local newspapers: 74.65 percent, 536School board meetings: 36.91 percent, 265Community forums: 21.17 percent, 152LASD website: 43.59 percent, 313Word of mouth from neighbors or friends: 54.87 percent, 394Other: 18.66 percent, 134Do you support moving fifth grade back to the elementary school(s)?Yes: 50.28 percent: 361No: 27.02 percent: 194Not important: 22.70 percent, 163How important is it for you that the school building(s) concept maximizes student safety and security?Very important: 71.73 percent, 515Somewhat important: 17.41 percent, 125Not very important: 4.60 percent, 33Not important: 6.27 percent, 45How important is equality for all students in relation to class size at the elementary level?Very important: 50.56 percent, 363Somewhat important: 28.13 percent, 202Not very important: 12.81 percent, 92Not important: 8.50 percent, 61How important is it that the school building(s) are designed for future flexibility for providing equal opportunities in educational programs/ services and extra-curricular activities?Very important: 40.25 percent, 289Somewhat important: 31.62 percent, 227Not very important: 18.25 percent, 131Not important: 9.89 percent, 71How important is the design of the building(s) to improve vehicular and bus access?Very important: 29.94 percent, 215Somewhat important: 34.40 percent, 247Not very important: 21.17 percent, 152Not important: 14.48 percent, 104How important is having the construction/renovation completed to allow for less students/academic disruption?Very important: 44.71 percent, 321Somewhat important: 31.89 percent, 229Not very important: 12.67 percent, 91Not important: 10.72 percent, 77