Northern Lehigh School District appears to be next in line to seek out feasibility proposals.

On a unanimous vote, the school board on Monday approved administration to develop and post a Request for Proposals for a district wide comprehensive feasibility study.

After the meeting, Superintendent Dr. Matthew J. Link explained the rationale behind the board’s decision.

“We hope to receive proposals from qualified firms to conduct a comprehensive feasible study encompassing elements such as enrollment analysis, capacity evaluation, building assessments, and proposed solutions,” Link said. “A feasibility study is a critical step in long-term strategic planning.”

Link added “at this point, it is very early in the process.”

“We will not know the cost until we receive proposals, and the board is under no obligation to approve a study,” he said. “If they decide to move forward, they will designate a funding source at that time.”

Nearby, Palmerton Area School District is accepting sealed proposals until 1 p.m. March 22 for a feasibility study that will yield an analysis of future physical and programmatic needs.

According to the request for proposals, which is located on the district website, the study scope includes a complete physical survey of all district buildings, stadium (including turf field), and athletic fields. The study will also feature capacity planning including how many students are in each building and class sizes.

Palmerton Area School Board members authorized moving forward with the request for proposals in November.

Several other area districts awarded feasibility study contracts within the last year. Panther Valley hired KCBA Architects of Center Valley to do its study in August 2023 for $8,780.

Jim Thorpe awarded its contract to EI Associates at a cost not to exceed $2,500.

According to the district’s timeline, board members are hoping to interview finalists at the April 2 workshop meeting. A presentation by the selected firm would take place at the April 16 voting meeting with tentative contract approval that same night.