Eastern Lancaster County School District

The Facility Study's first presentation outlined our purpose: to guide long-term planning, implement a future-focused educational vision, and plan for projected enrollment. We shared key data on projected future enrollment over 10 years and compared current enrollment against building capacity. This work is foundational to ensuring our facilities can meet future student needs.

Following our initial study, this presentation provided a detailed Facility Conditions Assessment for all district buildings. The purpose was to document existing facility deficiencies and identify necessary repairs to extend the useful life of major operational systems for at least 20 years.

This was a follow-up to the November 2023 Facility Conditions Assessment. The purpose was to provide a recap of deficiencies by school and present preliminary estimated budgets for necessary capital improvement projects to address facility needs across the district.

Based on the previously identified significant needs at Blue Ball Elementary, this presentation compared the estimated costs of a comprehensive renovation versus a full building replacement. The comparison tool focused on project cost, complexity, and the ability to implement a 21st-century educational program.

Following the comparison presentation in January, the Board approved a resolution authorizing the construction of a new Blue Ball Elementary School instead of a renovation. This directs the administration to begin preliminary steps for planning, financing, design, and scheduling an Act 34 public hearing.

Following the decision to replace Blue Ball, this update on elementary facility needs shared concepts and projected costs for all three elementary schools. The presentation included options for the new Blue Ball and plans to address the future renovation cycles of New Holland and Brecknock.

Continuing our facility planning from October, this presentation focused on the operational components of our elementary building concepts. We discussed how total space, infrastructure, and right-sizing classrooms for 21st-century learning can lead to enhanced efficiency in HVAC, security, and overall building operations.

In alignment with our long-term vision, this discussion explored elementary educational program concepts, including the possibilities in developing a unified, single elementary building. The focus was on consistent instruction, enhanced collaboration, and operational efficiency to best prepare all learners for secondary success.

To ensure a fiscally prudent approach to our long-term facility plans, this presentation detailed various financing concepts. The main themes included a review of the interest rate history and an analysis of different bond options to fund any newly approved construction projects.