Architects present three options for Elizabethtown secondary‑school complex; costs range $107M–$178M

RLPS Architects and Barton Engineering told the Elizabethtown Area School District board on Sept. 9 that the district's secondary complex has multiple systems beyond typical life cycles and offered three paths forward: perform required maintenance and repairs to the existing facility; build strategic additions and renovate most of the building (including a new middle school wing); or build a new combined middle and high school. The architects gave high‑level cost ranges and phasing implications and said the district will hold a public information session on Sept. 16 and a final feasibility presentation in October.

The options differ in what they solve and how long construction would disrupt students. RLPS partner Chris Linky said, “The last time we came to talk to the board was in May,” and described work since then to develop options, refine cost estimates and incorporate feedback from tours and a town‑hall questionnaire. The firm reported that the existing facility totals about 433,000 square feet, but only about 250,000 square feet is used for classrooms and…