A project to install chillers and replace unit vent heaters at three buildings in the Palmerton Area School District could come with a $5 million price tag.

The school board was apprised of the estimated costs from Christopher Campbell, project manager at Barry Isett & Associates, as part of a workshop session on Tuesday.Campbell shared the results of a feasibility study review with the board that focused on the high school and junior high school complex, S.S. Palmer Elementary, and Towamensing Elementary.In doing so, Campbell said the prices associated with the potential projects were preliminary at this time.The cost to install a chiller and perform electrical upgrades to the high school and junior high school complex would run the district about $2.3 million, he said.It's much the same at S.S. Palmer Elementary, where Campbell said the cost to do similar work would be about $1.9 million.Over at Towamensing Elementary, Campbell said the work would check in at about $800,000.Campbell said installing chillers at all three buildings would be the most economically sound choice the district could make.Chillers usually last anywhere from 20 to 30 years on average, he said.The discussion comes several months after the district formulated a strategy for its facilities.In November, Superintendent Scot Engler reviewed the facilities and future district plans with the board.Engler prefaced that discussion by saying the plan is still "a work in progress."He said the list of improvements were conceived through input from the community, faculty, administration, school board and the students.The projects discussed represent the district's most pressing needs, Engler said at that time.Engler at that time discussed a feasibility study for a districtwide heating, ventilation and air conditioning system.Districtwide safety and security improvements were also mentioned.The potential addition of a cafeteria for the junior high school was discussed as well.At present, the district runs grades seven through 12 lunches in its high school cafeteria as the junior high does not have its own cafeteria, which Engler said limits the district's options because of scheduling.A feasibility study to add a cafeteria to the junior high school is underway.Boiler replacement was also discussed.Over at the high school, Engler said painting 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.The board discussed the addition of a canopy at the back entrance to the Parkside Education Center.Engler said the district has several financial options it may consider.Based on the input from the district's capital adviser, Engler said interest rates were at a point where the district could recognize savings by refinancing its 2010 A bond.Engler previously said the district anticipates the transfer of $3 million from the district's general fund into its capital reserve fund.The financial goal, he said, is for the district to maintain its current debt service or possibly reduce it. The scope of the projects that have been discussed were designed for the betterment of the district and the community as a whole, Engler said.