How to Waste Millions of Dollars on a School Construction Project

This is the story of High School construction project #2995 in Manheim Township, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. This book chronicles the 2002 project from start to finish and details the actions taken by those in power to circumvent applicable laws and regulations governing school construction projects. The objective of the School Administration and the Department of Education was to design and build a showcase High School, while evading the restrictions of Pennsylvania Act 34. Act 34 of 1973 was written specifically to set standards for allowable costs and to prohibit the construction of costly school building without first gaining approval of the voters. This is a story about arrogance, incompetence, deceit, complicity, indifference, and naiveté: Arrogance by the School Administration and Board for thinking only they knew best. Incompetence by the Architects for their inability to complete a design within budget. Deceit by those preparing PlanCon documentation with false or improperly assigned costs. Complicity by the Dept. of Education for directing and orchestrating the corrupt process. Indifference by Legislators and State Agencies for failing to require adherence to the law. Naiveté on my part for expecting the process to be ethical, open, and rational.