The new Parkland elementary school, Veterans Memorial, under construction on an 18-acre site in Upper Macungie Township, has become a prominent landmark east of Schantz Road on the western side of Twin Ponds Road.

Rob Avitabile, senior project manager for Alvin H. Butz Inc., commented on the school during the April 16 school board meeting.

“We’re right on budget as of now and we’re tracking a little bit ahead of schedule,” Avitabile said.

He reported all of the roof is in place, and some bricks have already been set.

“The courtyard side has bricks and windows; some interior walls have been painted; and the sprinkler system is now active with water in the lines,” Avitabile said.

He explained construction management personnel are working with the 19 contractors on the job to maintain a productive flow of advancement through open communication and a collaborative culture.

Avitabile said contractors and management use stick-on notes on a calendar on the walls of the Butz trailer to keep track of work schedules.

“This is a dynamic tool to getting this job done,” Avitabile said. “Contractors come in and check on it.”

Project superintendent Bob Myrick said he is constantly looking ahead in the construction process.

“I know every person on the project by their first name,” Myrick said.

“I’m always looking out for the welfare of the client.”

Project manager Pete Schneck noted everything is moving along as planned, although one unpredictable factor is weather.

The original total cost of the school was forecast to be $35,867,507.

Last summer, the unexpected cost of $623,133 was taken from contingency allowances for 18 inches of stone to stabilize the soil on the site.

Avitabile noted $370,533 remains in the contractors’ allowance fund for unforeseen costs in construction and $282,669 is still available for contingencies.

He said as of now the projected maximum total cost of Veterans Memorial is $35,842,338.

Highway improvements will go out for bid in fall, and road work should start after the first of next year.

The school is scheduled to open in September 2020.