CLARION, Pa. (EYT) — It doesn’t take an accountant to know the difference between tens of thousands of dollars and hundreds of thousands, and that’s what led the Clarion Area School Board to make a recent decision that deals with its current building construction.

And, they aren’t done with some of those tough choices, either.

Through a contract with Pathline Project Management and Construction Services, the Board voted to spend up to $32,500.00 for the clerk of the works position. That person will manage the construction being done to the building and make sure the work meets inspection requirements and the results the district is seeking.

The board also discussed whether a construction manager was needed or a clerk of works for the upcoming elementary school building project that is much more extensive than the work currently being done.

Robert Englebaugh of HHSDR Architects/Engineers, in Sharon, explained that a construction manager could cost anywhere from $200,000.00 to $400,000.00.

With the size of the elementary school project, the cost could approach one half million dollars, according to Englebaugh.

Some board members wondered if the difference between a clerk of works and a construction manager was enough to justify spending that much more money.

Englebaugh explained that a construction manager becomes part of the project from pre-construction review to post-construction.

The team hired for the position makes sure all decisions, plans, construction, and final details are being put together in the correct and most efficient manner.

Discovering problems before they happen could potentially save the school district a lot of money and time.

Englebaugh explained that the hiring process is very critical in choosing the right individual for the job in terms of a clerk of works.

The Board does have some time to make its decision. Bids for the elementary school project will be sent out later this year.

The board also talked about the proposed cost of the new heating system.

Currently, it will cost nearly $400,000.00, but Englebaugh said the new system would be more efficient and save the district money, potentially cutting the heating bill in half and hopefully resulting in a savings of tens of thousands of dollars every year.