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The Palmyra school board gave verbal approval Thursday, Sept. 17, for district administration to move forward with high school renovations and additions at an estimated cost between $72.5 million and $84.1 million.
Presented with three proposals, directors selected the one that includes construction of a new gymnasium, engineering and robotics lab additions, and renovations to existing mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems, according to Chris Linkey and Erin Hoffman of RLPS Architects.
No vote was taken by the board because the matter was a discussion item during the Building and Grounds Committee report. The project will be considered for a vote at the directors’ Oct. 1 meeting.
The major addition to the high school would include a new three-station gym. There’s also additional space for a fitness room that could include an area for the wrestling program.
Additional portions highlighted included enhanced safety measures. Improved safety is a response to a January 2025 incident at the high school where a hit-and-run suspect fled an accident scene in the borough, entered an open door during a swim event, and hid in the school.
Read More: (February 2025) Police: Palmyra hit-and-run suspect hid in high school for 2 hours before fleeing
“One of the components that I really want to draw attention to that’s challenging your existing building right now is you don’t have any security or control. When you have after-hours events or athletic competitions, outside groups coming in, they kind of have free range in the school because you don’t have a way to control,” said Erin Hoffman, associate partner, RLPS.
She said the addition will include security controls to close off the main building from that area.
“We’re able to accommodate for that by bringing in a specific lobby and being able to lock down the remainder of the building and concentrate your population after school in this area,” Hoffman said, adding that the second floor would include the athletic director’s office and an area for the safety and security component.
The project also includes areas within the gym addition to accommodate multiple physical education classes, classrooms, and a fitness facility, as well as the replacement of building infrastructure, such as plumbing, mechanical, and electrical, which is over 20 years old.
Most of the directors who spoke following the presentation favored option 3, the most expensive of the plans. Board member Seth Steinmetz was the only director not in attendance at the meeting.
Board member Dave Laudermilch emphasized the new safety measures.
“To me, that (security) is enormous. Is it more costly? Yes. I am not here to dispute that. And people who say this plan is more expensive, I do not disagree,” Laudermilch said. “However, for me, the security issue is paramount. Aside from bathrooms in the main shed, which is my No. 2 item, the security here in the physical building is by far my No. 1 issue.”
Several others, including board president Josh Jones, spoke in favor of the same option, with Jones noting this project is about addressing student needs and those in the community.
At the administration’s request, directors addressed two concerns: not enough classroom space for students, and a current gym that cannot hold the entire student body at once.
“If you look at the money, our sports programs, athletics, our school, any club in this community continues to look for money outside of what the district can give them by fundraisers, whatever, they are very limited in what they can host,” Jones said. “Wrestling can do tournaments, basketball can do tournaments with the bigger-style gym. There are robotics clubs, and they can probably do a robotics competition.”
Jones added that while people will be critical of his support of the most expensive option, he supports it because that choice “solves all problems.”
The options matrix presented by the architectural firm included one proposal with renovations only at a cost of between $52 million and $61 million, and a second proposal with renovations and a new engineering and robotics lab estimated at $64 million to $78 million.
District superintendent Bernie Kepler told LebTown it will be at least one year for the district to receive the architectural designs from the Lancaster-based design firm, with construction commencing at a date to be determined.
Following the meeting, Kepler spoke with LebTown about the critical need with the existing infrastructure.
“I would say, first and foremost, knowing we have direction to address mechanical, electrical, and plumbing is paramount. To alleviate further issues that can cause a section of a building to go down for a day or an entire building,” Kepler said. “Those items that hit you, that we’re not going to have water today because I’ve got a sewage issue and a pipe broke. Do I need to cancel school? Those are the things that impact kids, and with this direction, we can get this project underway. That’s my main purpose is making sure we have a building where we can educate our kids.”
Kepler also expressed the importance of addressing the existing security concern during sporting events in that portion of the building.
“On the security side of that with the problem that happened before, if we can lock down our building for athletic events and it is locked in that area, that will be a huge benefit,” Kepler added.
It was also noted by several members that the project has been delayed and it is time to move forward. The district conducted a feasibility study in 2023 that was presented in 2024, and various options have been considered since then without a decision.
Read More: (April 2024) Palmyra school board eyes options for school expansion and renovations
Other board business
The board also unanimously voted to:
- Accept various reports, including the treasurer’s report.
- Approve purchases for various technologies for the new district office. Purchases include hiring Stray Pro for audio and visual solutions for the board room office for $49,973.67, hiring Ooma AirDial Services for the POTS line for 911 service for $55 per month for 36 months, purchasing Verkada Security cameras for the district office from Gov. Connections for $44,637.84, hiring Electech for $6,328.38 for installation of security cameras at the district office, purchasing from CNI Sales five Extreme switches totaling $36,974.55, and purchasing network access controls from CNI Sales for $81,925.27.
- Recognize the following support staff members who are retiring: Michele Gottshall, 31 years of service; Vicki Sauly, 25; Sharon Snyder, 24; and Jody Sholly, 7.5.
- Approve the Sept. 3 board meeting minutes.
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