JEFFERSON TWP — The increasing cost of construction that has continued since the coronavirus pandemic is affecting the Knoch High School renovation project.

John Pappas, project construction manager, told the school board at its Wednesday, Feb. 8, meeting that the estimated cost of the project is now between $38 million and $42 million.

The bond to fund the project provides the district with just over $34 million, which was the estimated cost of the project.

The current Knoch budget contains a fund balance of more than $10 million which Donna Eakin, school board president, said much of it is savings the district has accrued for the construction project.

David Foley, district superintendent, told the board members they must decide on an amount they are comfortable with when it comes to drawing down the fund balance to support the renovation project.

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