Council Rock School District facilities consultants presented an option to renovate Newtown Elementary and add new classroom capacity that would follow the district’s recent approach to parity with other elementary renovations. The plan includes phased use of 16 modular classrooms to keep students in session during the two‑year construction sequence.

Why it matters: The estimate shapes near‑term capital priorities. Newtown’s construction-plus-renovation scenario reflects the district’s recent design choices and drove questions from board members about whether the district could pare scope to lower costs.

Doug Taylor, CHA Consulting, said the team used recent bids and unit costs from Hillcrest and Richborough to develop a parity‑based cost and added allowances for a new roof, a canopy at the entrance, site allowances and a modular phasing plan. Taylor said construction cost for the scope shown is about $33,700,000; after 20% soft costs and 5% design and 5% construction contingencies this rises to about $43,700,000. Escalation to a projected 2026 construction midpoint moves the range to roughly $46.7M–$47.7M.

Board members asked whether the district could achieve a lower cost by removing individual items. Taylor said line‑item reductions are possible — for example, eliminating a new canopy or concessions — but that the district should consider the tradeoffs and parity expectations. Multiple board members asked for “a la carte” options that reduce scope while preserving items the district considers non‑negotiable, such as a roof replacement. Taylor and staff said they can produce alternate scenarios with pros and cons for each change.

Phasing and schedules: The recommendation assumes modular classrooms will be procured and installed ahead of major renovation activities so students can be relocated during two separate renovation phases. Consultants stressed that modular procurement and site preparation must be synchronized with the design and bidding timeline.

Next steps: Consultants will provide alternative cost scenarios and a clearer breakdown of which line items could be trimmed without compromising necessary infrastructure replacements. No contract awards or binding budget decisions were taken at the meeting.