As the new year begins, Parkland School District officials expect to take definite steps toward planning for construction of a new elementary school in the southwestern part of the district.

During the Dec. 20, 2016, meeting, Superintendent Richard Sniscak told The Press an architect will probably be hired at the second board meeting in January 2017.

The district already has Alvin H. Butz lined up as construction manager.

Solicitor Steven Miller noted the importance of having a competent architect and construction manager.

“They set up the budget and solidify it,” Miller said. “The architects hire their engineers.”

Sniscak reported on the land and location for the new school.

“We’ve picked something. We‘re close. We’re working on terms,” Sniscak said. “Environmental studies must be done beforehand.

“It will be in Upper Macungie where our greatest growth is.”

Miller said the architect will create a time line and set up a budget for the project before the public Act 34 hearing.

The architect sets the financial terms. If it exceeds the state approved allowance, the district will need to make changes.

Miller said that situation is unlikely, as knowledgeable architects will probably have it within the approved amount.

He noted the district can save by not having to buy bond insurance because its AA Standard and Poor’s rating is so good.

Sniscak said the building will be designed for up to 750 students, the size of the Jaindl Elementary School.

The school board approved a parameters resolution authorizing up to $11 million in general obligation bonds.

About $5 million will go to soft costs for the new school, such as fees for the architect, engineer and construction manager.

The remainder will be directed toward technology, roofing, paving projects and purchase of new buses and vans.