Palmerton Area School District has formulated a game plan for its facilities.

Superintendent Scot Engler reviewed the facilities and future district plans with school directors at Tuesday's board workshop session.Engler prefaced the discussion by stating that the plan is still "a work in progress."He added that the list of improvements were conceived through input from the community, faculty, administration, school board, and the students."I think this represents our most pressing needs in the district," Engler said.DistrictwideEngler discussed a feasibility study for a districtwide heating, ventilation and air conditioning system.Director Susan Debski then questioned the need for the study.Director Barry Scherer added that the study would be the way for the district to go."A feasibility study will also give us options," Scherer said. "I think a feasibility study has to be done."Board President Tammy Recker agreed, and said she believes a feasibility study is necessary for this particular project.Safety and security improvements was another districtwide project that was mentioned.Junior high schoolThe potential addition of a cafeteria to the junior high school was discussed as well.At present, the district runs grades 7-12 lunches in its high school cafeteria, as the junior high does not have its own cafeteria.That, Engler said, limits the district's options because of scheduling.A feasibility study would be required to add a cafeteria to the junior high school.Boiler replacement was also discussed as well.High schoolEngler said the painting of the facade on the outside of the high school was among the projects students said they would most like to see completed.Carpeting, flooring, ceiling, and general cosmetic upkeep items were also discussed for the facility.Parkside Education CenterThe district may look at the addition of a canopy at the back entrance to the Parkside Education Center, Engler said.FinancingEngler said the district has several financial options it may consider.Based on the input from the district's capital adviser, Engler said interest rates are at point where the district could recognize savings by refinancing its 2010 A bond.Engler said the district anticipates the transfer of $3 million from the district's general fund into its capital reserve fund."The financial goal for all of this is to maintain our current debt service, or possibly reduce it," he said. "The scope of the projects that we discussed are designed for the betterment of our school district, and the overall community."Need for a planLast month, Debski said she would like to see the district revisit her prior request for a five-year plan.Engler said at that time the district had planned to put together a long-range financial plan, along with a long-range facilities plan.Debski also brought the matter before the board in August, at which time she said the district may eventually have to look at redistricting.