Consultants outline "common campus" plan for Northern Lehigh SD; middle-school addition estimated at $10.6–12.2M, Slatington expansion $26–30M

Consultants from Alloy5 and McClure presented final findings of a monthlong feasibility study to the Northern Lehigh SD board on Oct. 18, laying out a two-step "common campus" proposal and associated cost estimates.

Emily L., a project architect with Alloy5, summarized the process of data collection, building evaluation and concept design. She said the district occupies a strategic position in a fast-growing region and that enrollment projections from the Pennsylvania Department of Education show a slight projected decline (about 38 students across the district over 11 years), which nevertheless leaves the district positioned to pursue a campus consolidation option.

The consultants recommended a two-step approach: step one would add a single-story addition to the middle school to house sixth grade, aligning grades 6–8 programmatically and freeing capacity at Slatington. That middle-school addition was presented with an estimated construction cost of roughly $10.6 million to $12.2 million (plus infrastructure improvements and escalation assumptions) and an approximate construction timeline of 12–18 months depending on phasing.

Step two would be a larger addition at Slatington Elementary to create a K–5 building and complete the common-campus model by relocating Peters onto the same campus. The Slatington addition carries a higher estimated probable cost of about $26 million to $30 million, and a longer projected schedule (24–28 months) because it would touch more of the existing structure and require land-development permitting in places.

The presentation included programmatic rationales: desired target capacity around 85 percent to allow flexibility for "bubble" years, opportunities for improved safety and security with consolidated campus frontage, more efficient shared services and enhanced academic continuity (a 6–8 grade alignment for middle-level team teaching). Consultants also discussed building-condition cost estimates if the district chose to renovate in place (examples: Peters repair/renovation estimated at $12–14 million; high school full-renovation estimate ~ $14–16 million). They noted certain site logistics, such as using the current modular-trailer area north of the middle school for an addition and providing a secondary drop-off loop for special education vans.

Consultants invited the board to consider three broad options: do nothing and maintain an ongoing five-year capital plan, address targeted building needs without consolidation, or move forward with the two-step common-campus plan. They indicated further discussion and possible board direction would be appropriate at the November buildings-and-grounds committee meeting.

Board members asked clarifying questions about projected enrollment decline, property disposition for Peters if consolidation proceeds, and permitting/phasing details. The consultants recommended surplus property could be marketed and sold to avoid long-term maintenance liabilities.

No formal direction or vote on capital action was requested at the meeting; the feasibility report will be added to meeting minutes and shared electronically with board members for further review.