Taxpayers will have a chance to give their thoughts on a proposed Lehighton Area School District elementary center Tuesday night, but district officials are clear that the Act 34 public hearing will not become a debate.

The state requires a hearing for all new construction, including the elementary center, estimated to cost $32.5 million.Tuesday's hearing, scheduled for 7 p.m. at the Lehighton Middle School, 301 Beaver Run Road, will start with presentations by Jonathan Cleaver, Lehighton superintendent; Mark Barnhardt, of EI Associates; and Zach Williard, of Public Financial Management. Presentations will feature a description of the project, including facts with respect to education, physical, administrative, budgetary and fiscal matters.That will be followed by time for the public to give comment."This isn't going to be a debate," Cleaver said. "The board will sit in the audience if they choose to attend. They'll listen, but there aren't going to be any votes. This is also specific to the elementary center. No other projects will be discussed."Anyone who wants to speak can sign up with board secretary Bonnie Cortese by calling 610-377-4490. Speakers can also sign up on Tuesday night until the start of the hearing. There is an initial three-minute limit on public comment. Anyone wanting additional time will get it after everyone has had a chance to speak.People can also submit letters of written testimony to the district until noon on April 24.Cleaver said answers to the questions will be posted on the district's website."We'll get them up as soon as possible," he said. "It's going to depend on the type of question and how long it takes to answer them."If the elementary center is built, Lehighton plans to close its four current elementary schools; East Penn, Shull-David, Mahoning and Franklin.A group opposing the elementary center is planning a rally at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday outside the building.According to Lehighton business manager Brian Feick, the Act 34 booklet requires the district to paint a worst-case scenario in terms of the cost of the project.The maximum cost of construction is listed at $29,466,800, and the maximum project cost at $35,092,817.After Tuesday's hearing, Lehighton will continue to hold design committee meetings until a presentation on the expected cost of the project with and without specific alternates.Another Act 34 hearing would be required if bids for the project come in 8 percent or more over estimates.In an interview Thursday, Cleaver also addressed what he called "personal attacks" toward board members on social media."I find it disheartening that individuals personally attack this group who volunteers their time," he said. "They all put in a tremendous amount of time to make the district the great place it is."The board, Cleaver said, has shown a commitment to students beyond the planned building projects."The current board has not furloughed any teachers," he said."Music is being brought back to seventh grade for all students. We are offering Spanish in eighth grade for advanced learners. There will also be a library science course for students. At the high school, there are increased opportunities in many academic and extracurricular areas. The board is also making a commitment at the elementary level to get technology in the hands of our students at a younger age."Lehighton's Title I program, he added, has been a model for other schools in the area.The federal government allots $361,792 for the program, while the district commits $616,600 of its own funds to keep it up and running."The board is willing to commit that money to ensure our kids are getting exactly what they need," Cleaver said.