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RLPS presents elementary feasibility study findings; board schedules surveys, town hall and Feb. vote; solar work set for spring
Summary
RLPS Architects briefed the Manheim Township board on a feasibility study for Mitch Howard Elementary and the campus master plan, outlined next steps including community and board surveys (closing Dec. 18), a Jan. 8 deep dive and a potential February vote; the district also received a Red Arrow Middle School solar project update with design completion and a projected April installation.
At a facilities committee meeting following the district’s special session, RLPS Architects presented an overview of the feasibility study process, findings from an assessment of Mitch Howard Elementary, the campus master‑plan schedule and an update on the Red Arrow Middle School solar project.
Andrew Bladen (RLPS) described the study framework — establishing the "why, how and what" for a building study — and explained the project roadmap: information gathering, option development, community engagement (focus groups, surveys and a town hall), cost estimating, financial planning and milestones for board decision points. He emphasized budget stewardship and agency approvals required for any subsequent construction.
Chris Monkeith (RLPS) gave a facility assessment for Mitch Howard Elementary, noting the 18.8‑acre site, building fabric with sections from 1965 and 1990, and mechanical/electrical/plumbing (MEP) systems largely at or beyond expected service life. He described circulation inefficiencies, adjacencies that do not fit current educational practice, and low program‑square‑foot metrics that indicate the building has ample overall square footage but insufficient usable instructional space for modern pedagogy. RLPS said community and board surveys were released and will close on the 18th; options and renderings will be returned to the board in early March with a possible recommendation and vote in late winter.
On the campus master plan, RLPS said Jan. 8 will be a long meeting to review plan history, program needs and priorities; updated options and renderings are expected in March, with land‑development and zoning work potentially beginning in April 2026 if the schedule holds.
Mr. Charles provided the district’s solar update for Red Arrow Middle School: a design‑team site visit verified interconnection locations and roof pitches; design completion is expected by the end of the month, and plans will be submitted to the township for permit review. Larson Lighting Protection will relocate lightning‑protection components in March and installation is projected to begin in early April and last about five months, minimizing disruption to students where possible.
Board members asked clarifying questions about program square footage, active dehumidification to address prior dampness, and timelines for surveys and town halls. RLPS said additional options (renovation, addition, new building or other alternatives) will be presented and refined after community input before a board decision.
Next steps: board and community surveys close on the 18th; the board will meet Jan. 8 for a detailed review of focus‑group results and priorities; a town hall is planned for community review of options; and the board anticipates further review and a possible vote in February.
