Easton Area School District is working to construct a new high school, a $298 million project with plans in progress.
To help finance the construction, the district may seek a hefty grant through the statewide Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program.
At Tuesday’s school board meeting, Assistant Superintendent for District Operations and Services Josh Ziatyk outlined the district’s approach to applying for the grant The district would aim for $25 million, though the award could be less than requested depending on what the state approves.
CHA, the engineering firm working on the school’s construction, would apply for the grant on Easton’s behalf.
A rendering of a component of the Easton Area High School Construction, including a main staircase and auditorium entrance.Courtesy of Alloy5
Under the agreement, CHA would receive no payment if the application is unsuccessful. If the grant is awarded, the firm would earn 10% of the grant amount, capped at $500,000.
If the district is awarded funds but does not use them, CHA would receive a $50,000 fee.
“With the state budget, there’s always a few million dollars set aside for some capital improvements in the state,” Ziatyk explained. “We believe that the high school will be a project that we might be able to get some grant money for, and CHA is going to be the one that’s going to head that for us.”
Board members asked about the timeline for the state’s decision and whether the district could apply in future years. Ziatyk explained on Tuesday that the timing depends on the approval of the state budget, which passed the state Senate Wednesday and needs a signature from Gov. Josh Shapiro.
Ziatyk added the district could reapply in subsequent years because the school is a multi-year project.
State Rep. Robert Freeman and State Sen. Lisa Boscola are the members sponsoring the potential request.
The new high school would replace the existing building, which is more than six decades old. The new school is expected to feature upgraded infrastructure, modern learning spaces and innovative community areas.
The school board will vote on the application at its next meeting in two weeks at 1801 Bushkill Drive.
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