Manheim Township administration recommends $16,500 district‑wide facility study by RLPS

Administration recommended the board approve a district‑wide feasibility and educational planning study with RLPS Architects for $16,500 to refine capacity, enrollment forecasting and prioritized capital investments.

Mrs. Robbins said the study will go beyond a conventional building assessment by evaluating ‘‘future‑ready learning opportunities, curriculum drivers and enrollment projections against current building capacities,’’ and that RLPS’s ongoing work on campus master plan projects gives the firm familiarity with district facilities. She told trustees the $16,500 fee ‘‘will be credited toward any significant architectural project’’ the district selects later.

Supporters on the board said a comprehensive, updated assessment would reduce uncertainty in the multi‑year capital plan and provide clearer cost projections for future projects. Some trustees questioned timing and whether the district should wait given other near‑term projects; supporters replied the study will help prioritize and better phase multiple needs across the district and that the firm’s work includes a prioritized scoring (MoSCoW‑style) and enrollment updates that reflect new local development.

Administrators said a completed study would be most useful for five to ten years, with the most accuracy in the first five years and the option to update sections if a particular project moves forward.

The item was presented as a recommendation for the board’s voting meeting; no final approval was recorded at this session.