MONTOURSVILLE -- The debate continues on a controversial school renovation plan in Lycoming County.
The Montoursville Area School Board halted a $36 million project which includes a new high school. The question now is whether to move forward with the project or do something else?
Members of the board say this is a huge decision that they will take time to carefully consider.
The $36 million renovation plan included tearing down Montoursville Area High School and building a new three-story building.
But when new school board members took office, they voted to halt construction and look into other, less expensive options.
They also voted to form and work with a citizens advisory committee to make decisions about potential building or renovation projects.
"We're stalling here and we need to move this forward. We need help from members of the audience, no matter what side they're on. We need to come to a compromise," said board member Scott Konkle.
Board members received a study from Bassett Engineering, Inc. of Montoursville about the state of the current high school and other aspects of the project.
The board wants to consider other, less expensive alternatives to building a new high school.
"We think we have a very detailed study if you take the time to see. There's a lot of information in there," Britt Bassett of Bassett Engineering said.
Board members tell Newswatch 16 they will make a decision about what to do "in the very near future."
Opinions about what should be done are mixed.
"There's no meaning to stopping it. I think they should just keep building it," Montoursville Area student Ethan Buirch said.
"I think people in the community should give you a chance because I know you're not trying to shortchange the kids and I know you're not trying to shortchange the taxpayers and pushing those things together is a tall order," said Paul Rinker of Montoursville.
No decision was made at Tuesday's meeting. The next board meeting is scheduled for February 9.