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BELLEFONTE -- At this week's Bellefonte Area School Board meeting, Damion Spahr of SitelogIQ, gave a brief update on what they've been working on in the past two weeks.
Though the update was concise without much to offer visually, Spahr was thorough in his reassurances.
"We have taken the design documents... We are estimating the cost of construction based on that design. We are coming up with a list of options that we will be giving the district for cost deduction depending on which options will be chosen in the design price," said Spahr.
This process is essential to making sure that they stay within budget by prioritizing their needs versus their wants, and getting into the nitty-gritty pieces of the build.
"Ultimately, the cost of the project can be compared to a mandated maximum cost for building construction (mandated by Act 34.) KCBA is currently doing the calculations to determine what that maximum cost is. We'll have to compare not only what it is that we want to spend as a community, but what we're allowed to spend in the eyes of the Pennsylvania Department of Education," said Spahr.
Act 34 of 1973 applies to new buildings and buildings with substantial additions, wherein substantial builds require public meetings and cost calculations; when a new school is built or an addition greater than 20 percent is added to an existing school in Pennsylvania, there is a requirement that those involved must present their options and projected costs in a public meeting.
Mike Kelly, of KCBA, was unavailable during the meeting, but Spahr assured the board that everything is on track.
Spahr also mentioned a continued dialogue with Bellefonte Borough to work through permitting.
"(This) will be something we tackle pretty hard over the next week or so as we prepare to come back to the board," said Spahr.
Council members Donna Smith and Jack Bechdel recently went to a PSBA School Leadership Conference.
Bechdel attended a seminar related to new construction, and after comparing notes they were pleased to announce that everything with the project seems to be on track in regards to the checklist discussed in the seminar.
"We're perfect. We're right on," said Smith.
The Bellefonte Area School Board will meet again on Wednesday, Nov. 1, at 7 p.m. at the Bellefonte Area Middle School.