By SUSAN RUMBLE

Special to The Press

Parkland School Board directors, at their April 16 meeting, approved the purchase of 7.37 acres at 4434 Orefield Road at a cost of $415,000.

Superintendent Dr. Mark Madson commented on the real estate parcel.

“It is mostly empty land connected to our property,” Madson said.

“It may be used to meet future needs and further growth.”

The property, near Stadium Drive at Orefield Middle School, will be obtained from RITT Inc. and will be paid for from the general fund.

School directors also approved a quote from Reuther and Bowen for civil engineering services, such as soil testing on the site for a $46,000 fee.

Madson noted the land may be used in the 2030 project plans which include additions and renovations to the high school and to Orefield Middle School.

The district is addressing the high school undertaking first with the design phase underway by the architectural firm Alloy5, from Bethlehem.

The board intends to examine those plans at forthcoming meetings.

Completion date presented by Alloy 5 for the high school project is July 2027.

The land acquisition on Orefield Road will be an asset for the Orefield Middle School enlargement and improvements work.

In a feasibility study conducted by RLPS last year, the OMS additions would amount to 66,000 square feet.

New structures would necessitate updated parking and driveway configuration, probable loss of two softball fields along Lime Kiln Road for stormwater retention, and possible changes to facilitate site circulation.

The feasibility study lists 2028 as the completion date for the OMS additions, renovations and site improvements.