A year from now, Veterans Memorial Elementary School, under construction in Upper Macungie Township will open its doors to about 500 children in kindergarten through fifth grade.

Situated on an 18-acre site on the west side of Twin Ponds Road between Long Lane and Schantz Road, the new facility was planned in response to high residential growth in the southwestern portion of the district.

During a recent school board meeting, Rob Avitabile, senior project manager with Alvin H. Butz Inc., announced the maximum total cost of the school is now projected at $35,888,500, slightly over the original estimate of $35,867,507.

He said workers are finishing facade elements, tending to exterior site work, and installing toilet fixtures.

“We have permanent power to the building, and the librarian’s desk is in place,” Avitabile said.

He noted the district will go out to bid this fall for highway occupancy improvements, which will include signalization, a turning lane, and some widening of Schantz Road.

Superintendent Richard Sniscak said Twin Ponds Road will be moved slightly to the east for better alignment with the other roadways.

Assistant Superintendent Dr. Rod Troutman reported the school services department is working with Butz and KCBA architects to solve construction-related problems and to keep the project on schedule.

“The school services department plays an active role in construction of the new elementary school,” Troutman said. “Department members attend bimonthly project meetings and visit the construction site to oversee activities and assist in solving issues as they arise.”

In other matters relating to enrollment growth, Troutman stated Parkland officials meet with the district’s financial advisor, Public Financial Management, regarding time lines and new borrowings for school construction and capital improvements.

The financial team developed the district’s debt service management plan.

Troutman said increased enrollment is a major factor for several district renovation projects, such as conversion of a bus bay into four classrooms at Schnecksville Elementary.

The assistant superintendent noted monitoring enrollment is essential in planning for the future.

“We are watching the progress of Ridge Farm to prepare for additional classrooms at Kratzer Elementary to handle the students who move into that area. We have to be ready,” Troutman said.

With all the new classrooms being added, the administration is expanding the use of social media to find new staff.

“We continue to work with principals and supervisors to recruit and retain top talent,” the assistant superintendent said. “A teacher shortage may be coming.”