Lehighton school board directors and tax payers voiced opinions Monday about school board director Rocky Ahner's presentation about renovating the four elementary school buildings instead of building a new school.

School board President Gloria Bowman said, "I am voicing my opinion as an educator, taxpayer and elected official. This board has given courtesy to the floor much respect and I would ask that respect is given to each one of us also.""It is an insult to my integrity as a committed educator, taxpayer and elected official, that I would be considered part of a 'Slum Lord Board,' " she continued. "We (Lehighton Area School Board directors) do not take nor make our decisions lightly; we are all trying to make good decisions for our students and taxpayers."Concerning the proposed elementary center project, school board director William Hill said, "You'll kill the people in this town and the surrounding townships with this plan.""We can't bankrupt our community," Ahner agreed.According to school board director Hal Resh, the idea of an elementary center is not new; it has been around for several years."We have to look at all avenues and I'll continue to listen," Resh said. "I'll make an educated decision.""We have to do something," said school board director Wayne Wentz. "Let's do what's right for our kids.""When a vote comes, mine is for the elementary center," Wentz said.As one of the organizers of a grassroots citizens' group concerned about potential tax increases, David Bradley questioned the amount still left on the bond that the district is currently paying from 18 years ago."How much is it and why don't you just pay it off from the fund balance?"As of June 30, 2013, there is currently $13,867,503 in the General Fund Balance. At the school board meeting on Dec. 16, 2013 the board approved putting $8 million of the fund balance in a committed fund to PSERS (Public School Employees' Retirement System) and OPEB (other post-employment benefits).After not receiving a response to his questions, Bradley said that he will seek these answers through a right to know request."We moved here because the school district has four elementary schools," said one concerned parent. "With larger schools, the children are only numbers. They need a place where they feel safe and welcomed.""I went to a 'factory high school' where students were only a number," added Wallace Putkowski. "We don't want that here.""We're not making widgets in a factory; we're producing hopefully well-rounded students in a school," he concluded. "A large school may be efficient for the administration, but not for the kids.""Workshop meetings are held for the purpose of gathering information," summed up Bowman. "I believe it was evident tonight that we all board members and administrators are listening and exploring options in order to move forward."To view the presentation regarding the proposed elementary center as well as all previous PowerPoint presentations and feasibility studies concerning school district facilities, visit

www.Lehighton.org or call 610-377-4490.The next buildingcommittee workshop meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. Monday, April 14, at thedistrict administration building.