STATE COLLEGE — Despite construction bids coming in 10% lower than anticipated for construction of Park Forest Middle School, real estate taxes may still increase by 3.5% next year.
State College Area School Board members on Monday, April 20 heard some good news — bids for the Park Forest Middle School project were lower than anticipated.
District administrators said bids for construction were $12.5 million below the Act 34 Budget of $130 million, or nearly 10% lower than estimated. The district could save an additional $4.5 million with a proposed alternative design for a site wall needed for the project.
“Although bids came in favorably and construction costs are lower than anticipated, the district continues to face significant capital needs in the years ahead,” said Randy Brown, finance and operations officer. “These savings will help reduce the overall financial strain as we plan for and address those future projects.”
Lobar, Inc. submitted the apparent low bid for general construction. The company was the contractor for the high school and three recent elementary school projects.
The board will vote on whether to accept the bids at a future meeting.
In other business, the board:
- approved the proposed final budget for 2026-27, which would include a 3.5% tax increase, equal to the state’s Act 1 Index. A public budget hearing will occur on May 18, and a vote on the final budget is expected on June 1.
- approved a Welcoming Schools Resolution. Board members said the resolution reflects the district’s commitment to uphold its legal responsibilities and reinforces its commitment to serving every student with dignity, respect, and excellence.
- approved 2026-2027 food service meal prices. The cost for students will increase by five cents to $2.95 for elementary, $3.15 for middle school, and $3.80 for high school lunch.
- accepted a low bid of $369,264 from American Roofing to replace a portion of the Panorama Village Administration Building roof.
- accepted a low bid of $296,700 from SP McCarls for the replacement of the domestic hot water and softener systems at Easterly Parkway Elementary, which have beenproblematic and are past their useful life.
- accepted a low bid of $204,844 from Rohrer Bus Sales for two 30-passenger school buses to replace older vehicles.
