An update to the Parkland school board on the proposed elementary school in Upper Macungie Township from design professional Jamie Bortz of the architectural firm KCBA, led to inquiries about the cost.

Although the Stantec consulting firm projected a cost of $31.7 million in a study conducted in 2015-16, no current figures have been given.

Superintendent Richard Sniscak explained analysts will be able to start providing estimates when design development is completed soon.

Board member Barry Long questioned Bortz.

“At what point can we make changes if costs come in too high?” Long asked.

“We’re already scaling back some things that are expensive,” Bortz replied.

She noted all figures must be firm at least 20 days before the Act 34 hearing (required public hearings on construction plans) on Nov. 13.

Board member Jef Reyburn expressed a desire for “aesthetics equivalency” among Parkland school buildings.

“Let’s make sure one’s not getting a Maserati and the others a Chevy,” Reyburn said.

Long said the design incorporates a lot of glass which is costly.

Bortz said some glass already has been decreased in the plan.

“There’s probably a little more glass here than in other buildings - some for natural light,” Sniscak said.

He said brick, which is durable, will be the main component.

Sniscak offered additional remarks on the project.

“We’re building for the next 50 years,” Sniscak said. “We want the building to be serviceable for that period.

“We want to make it adaptable. What is “maker space” [for STEMM activities] today may be a classroom in 25 years.”

Director of Business Administration John Vignone reported administrators are looking five to six years ahead toward borrowing for the new school and capital needs elsewhere in the district.

He said although Parkland has been limiting borrowing to no more than $10 million a year, there may be a time when more annual funds are needed.

Sniscak commented on the matter.

“We’re thinking around 2019 we may need more than $10 million to keep construction going.”