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Public raises $41 million question as North Penn board details high school project costs
Summary
Public commenters pressed the North Penn School District on why the cost estimate for the high school project appears $41 million higher than figures cited during the referendum and recent committee meetings; district leaders clarified which figures cover which scopes and said follow-ups will be provided.
Jason Lanier, a resident of Lansdale, asked the North Penn School District Board of School Directors on July 17 why recent project estimates for the high school showed roughly $41 million more than the $236 million figure he said voters approved. “Why are we $41,000,000 higher?” Lanier asked during the public-comment portion.
The question prompted extended explanation from Superintendent Dr. John Bauer and comments from board members. Dr. Bauer said the $237 million figure discussed previously represented a “basic renovation cost,” while a separate $400 million figure reflected an “all-in” cost that included adding ninth grade. He reiterated that the special election asked whether voters would allow the district to borrow $97 million outside Act 1 specifically to add ninth grade, and that voters rejected that borrowing.
Why this matters: the figures cited at different points — a $237 million baseline, $400 million…
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