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Carlisle Area SD approves Act 34 hearing materials, sets $98.3M maximum project cost for new middle school
Summary
The Carlisle Area School District board approved the Act 34 hearing packet, public notice and maximum project cost for a proposed new seventh‑ and eighth‑grade middle school, scheduling a public hearing for Nov. 13 at 7 p.m. in the Fowler LGI and allowing public comment through Nov. 12.
The Carlisle Area School District board on Thursday approved materials to begin a state‑prescribed Act 34 public hearing process for a proposed new middle school, including a maximum project cost of $98,305,377 and a maximum building construction cost of $76,513,641.
The board approved the Act 34 booklet, public hearing notice and the stated cost limits and scheduled the hearing for Thursday, Nov. 13 at 7 p.m. in the Fowler LGI at the district. The board president said the hearing is required by state law and "we really can't proceed on other actions such as finalizing the plans, seeking bids until we hold that hearing." The public may submit written comments via email through Nov. 12 and may present oral comments at the Nov. 13 hearing.
Board members discussed the booklet language about preregistering speakers; one member sought clarification that the booklet would not bar people who show up from speaking. The board president confirmed the practice would allow those who sign in when they arrive to speak. The motion to approve the packet, resolution and notice passed; the board conducted a roll‑call vote on the maximum project cost and construction cost limits and recorded ayes across the board.
Why it matters: Act 34 is the Pennsylvania process that requires public notice and a meeting led by the district solicitor when a school district seeks to construct or renovate facilities above specified thresholds. Setting the maximum project and building construction cost opens the district to the formal hearing and triggers the public review, after which the district can move forward with planning, financing analysis and, later, bidding if the board proceeds.
What’s next: The Act 34 hearing will be held Nov. 13 at 7 p.m. at the Fowler LGI; written comments are accepted through Nov. 12. The board will not finalize plans, seek bids, or take other procurement steps until the required steps under the Act 34 process have been completed.
The board chair closed the discussion by repeating that the hearing and associated public comment period are prerequisites for continuing the project planning timeline.
