The school board has authorized appraisals of the Troxell building and a district property now used as a playing field at 2872 Old Post Road, North Whitehall Township.

The action was taken at the Aug. 25 meeting to provide information for a feasibility study begun in this past spring by Stantec Architecture and Engineering LLC.

District Superintendent Richard Sniscak said the study will supply guidance to the district on how to meet the needs of the future.

Built as a high school in the 1920s, the Troxell building is now used for offices and alternative education programs.

After receiving a diagnosis of the Troxell building and its appraised market value, district officials will examine options on whether to restore, renovate or raze the structure, Sniscak explained.

The 20-acre parcel along Old Post Road was purchased quite some years ago as a location for a future elementary school.

However, Sniscak explained growth is in the southern part of the district while construction in the northern section remains slow.

“We see no need for an elementary school in the north for at least 10-15 years,” Sniscal said. “Without water and sewer, housing will not take off.”

At this point, information is still being collected by Stantec and no determination has been made as to keep or sell Troxell and the Old Post Road parcel.

“To be able to make an informed decision, it’s good to know the value of our assets,” Sniscak said.

The goal of the $165,300 feasibility study is to take a comprehensive look at district demographics, facilities and programs with an overview for the next decade.

“It is 75 percent complete, and we expect the report in October,” the superintendent said.

Appraisals will be done by Blair Bates.

“He is very well known to us,” Solicitor C. Steven Miller said.

“He does an excellent job. He has done work for the district on assessment appeals.”

The appraisal services are not to exceed $4,200.