Palmerton Area School District’s board of directors unanimously authorized a request for proposals for the completion of a districtwide feasibility study last week.

The approval came after a lively discussion about assessing the condition of existing school buildings and planning for future infrastructure needs.

District officials said the study would provide a comprehensive overview of the current state of school buildings, taking into account factors such as age, safety, and necessary renovations. The information would be used to make decisions about future projects and allocating resources efficiently.

“The feasibility study is really justification for our taxpayers as well,” director MaryJo King said. “When the board decides to work on projects in the future, we want to ensure that the community is well-informed and supportive of these initiatives. We’re not pulling them out of thin air.”

Board Vice-President Earl Paules said though the district doesn’t have to do everything recommended in the study, it allows Palmerton’s business manager to start budgeting for items that may be coming down the pike.

“If we know what might be coming, we can make a line item under capital reserve and not touch it,” Paules said.

Palmerton’s last feasibility study was done in 2006.

Panther Valley awarded a feasibility study contract to KCBA Architects of Center Valley in August for $8,780. Jim Thorpe has also put out a request for proposals for a study of its own.

The lead up to selecting a company from among those who submit proposals will include a meeting and facility walk-throughs.

“We want to give companies the opportunity to see the structures, understand the demographics of our community, and provide competitive proposals,” Frankelli said.

The conversation also delved into the timeline of the feasibility study, with considerations for potential delays, holidays, and the bidding process. Rushing the study, directors said Tuesday, could lead to unforeseen costs and complications. Tammy Recker, who was serving in her last meeting as a Palmerton board member, said companies usually give and stick to a “three to six month range.”

“The feasibility study tells the story of what we see in terms of data and helps us decide where to allocate resources for the next ten years,” Recker said.

Paules said he hopes the district can do the feasibility study in conjunction with renovating S.S. Palmer to create a more secure entrance to the school. The district has been looking at relocating the school’s office suite to the first floor, eliminating the large existing staircase that currently greets visitors upon entering the building. A secure vestibule would be added at the school’s entrance, along with the addition of a handicap-accessible ramp leading to the main door.

“I think it’s smart,” King said in concurring with him, “to do the study in conjunction with other projects we are doing.”