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May 28, 2026 QCSD School Board MeetingAdded:
All right, we're going to call to order the May 28th board meeting regular session regular voting meeting.
Uh let's uh salute the flag.
>> I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.
>> Terry, can I get a roll call?
>> Mr. Kern.
Mr. Spear.
>> Here.
>> Mr. Reimers.
>> Here.
>> Mr. Hippauf.
>> Here.
>> Mr. Lyons.
>> Here.
>> Mr. O'Donnell.
>> Here.
>> Ms. Hahn.
>> Here.
>> Ms. Varhola.
>> Here.
>> Ms. Rogers.
>> Here.
>> [clears throat] >> All right, before this meeting we had an executive session to discuss personnel topics and contracts.
Uh this meeting is being recorded by the board secretary and live streamed and recorded.
Uh moving on to approval of minutes. Can I get a motion to approve the April 23rd board meeting minutes?
>> I'll make a motion.
>> Motion by Mr. Hippauf.
>> I'll second.
>> Second by Mr. Spear. Any discussion?
Hearing none, all those in favor.
>> I.
>> I.
>> I.
>> Any opposed?
>> [clears throat] >> Uh moving into the superintendent report.
>> All right, thank you. Good evening, everyone. Good evening, members of our community here.
Um I'd like to start just by uh taking a moment for a a moment of silence for Dr. Robert Light. Um many of you know Dr. Light was a long-term uh member of our school community here. Uh he served for 27 years on the Quakertown School Board, including six terms as president. Uh he also was a founding member of our education foundation as well as our alumni association. Uh he also served on the Bucks County IU board for a number of years.
Um and most recently, you may remember that he was very active as a a public comment uh participant when we were talking about um Quakertown Elementary School. And uh he's written a number of books on our community and on our school. And um with his recent passing, I just wanted to uh share our condolences uh with his wife, Mary, um his children and grandchildren, and I'm just ask for a moment of silence in his his memory.
Thank you. Um also, as a part of my superintendent update on the page, um there's a little bit of information about him and also a link to his obituary if you're interested in learning more about his service to our community.
Um next, uh we know that it's a very difficult time of year in terms of being able to get students uh to be here. And thank you for being our lone uh student rep tonight. But, um I had the honor of uh and actually Mrs. Morolla was there with me also uh having an opportunity to be at the high school for our recent AP research poster conference, uh which was held in collaboration with Spring-Ford and Salisbury high schools. And I have listed here uh the students who participated as well as their topics.
But, I would like to just take a moment to um have You want to come on up?
Ready to go?
Um I think we only um we had five students say that they were going to be able to be here tonight. And so, I think we were hoping we might have a little bit more of like it It's not just you here on your own, but I went over and checked and it's okay. So, um if you want to bring your poster up, that would be awesome. And we can kind of open it up. And then, I just had asked each of the students who were able to come to just do a couple minutes to explain what their research was about and to talk a little bit about the process. So, thank you.
>> Hello.
My name is Erin Tuck.
In case you haven't met me before or don't remember.
Um for my research project, I did it on high school students and recycling bin design.
Uh there's some specifics to that, but that's the broad topic.
I wanted to see if there was a way to encourage recycling in the high school.
I learned in actually like about middle school that the school district doesn't actually recycle. I had thought up until that point that they did.
The only argument I've heard just from teachers or from people around as to why was that perhaps it was thought that students wouldn't recycle, and so then the the district didn't want to try to spend money on something that wouldn't have student buy-in.
I wanted to see if there was a way to kind of like break that almost like a cycle cuz if students think this district doesn't recycle and the district doesn't think the students cycle.
So, I wanted to see if I can encourage high school students to recycle specifically through recycling bin design.
Uh my project I started off with a broad in inquiry into what preferences high school students had as to the design of recycling bins.
And then I at the end of the survey that I gave out, I asked two questions regarding whether or not they felt having input into recycling bin design would increase their willingness to recycle.
Uh I came up with results that about half of students said, "Yes, it would increase their willingness to recycle."
Another half were kind of more meh.
I did get [snorts] some people who said it would decrease, but I think that on average, increase or no change.
Um so I I did come up with for the the preferences part, what people prefer.
They'd seem to prefer, in my opinion, like traditional or like more familiar designs.
Uh green or blue were common answers for color. They they liked having the recycling bin design sym- recycling bin symbol recycling symbol all over the bins. They liked them to be relatively simplistic. So, it wasn't anything that was like shocking on that end.
But that actually does like work in in the favor of of recycling because it means that it's easier to do if you can just put in the standard bins that are already there and think that it'll work.
Um for those who said that they wouldn't really feel like it would have a change, I thought that perhaps instead, um this isn't something I've tested, just a a thought, uh perhaps I know that the school already does competitions with Penn Ridge to collect food donations for the food pantries. I thought perhaps something similar might be a good idea for collecting recyclables. Or even just PSAs, uh public service announcements, and flyers, and all the various uh methods there are to get students engaged.
Um thank you for listening.
I would obviously like to argue that the school should recycle.
Um but that's up to you and that's something I can control.
Thank you for hearing me out. Um, I'm going to sit down now unless anyone has any questions.
>> I I actually have a I actually have a question. You may have some questions.
Yeah, so uh >> you have questions >> It was It was news to me like about a minute and a half ago that the district did not recycle or at least the schools did not recycle. I believe we recycle at district center because I just threw a water bottle in a blue trash can back here. So, I'm I'm hoping I'm not separating them and it's not happening.
>> Mr. Mr. Christine, would would you mind our director of facilities coming up and answering a very quick question of the board that I'm certain you were well prepared to answer tonight.
>> [clears throat and laughter] >> Thank you. Can you You can share the podium with him, please, if you wouldn't mind.
Do we or do we not recycle? Are we like a single sort facility that our stuff goes to? Is that >> Correct.
>> Correct. In our In our contract for trash removal and recycling every year, it's Republic this year and we have a recycle dumpster and we have a trash dumpster. Recycle holds the papers, the cardboard. The issue is is in classrooms I don't think we're disciplined enough to actually sort the stuff and custodians don't go through and pick up the cans or the paper and mix it up. So, we do recycle to a degree. Could it be better? Yes.
>> So, I was um able to be on the IRB.
That's how I've been involved in the AP research for a few years now.
And when the project came across, that was my first question. I said, well, we need to make sure we don't recycle before we say we don't recycle. And we did get it confirmed from from Dr. V at that time that the high school was not participating in any recycling.
>> Yeah, so I I I also have heard and witnessed the same thing that I've seen um custodians pushing their trash bins down the hallway and just dumping blue trash cans and regular trash cans right in the same bin. So, I I I I've been aware and I'm I'm so glad that the students are taking this up um because I I think it's really important that we should expand our recycling. So.
>> Thank you, Mr. Kristin. That was all that's all I believe we needed.
So, Erin Did I pronounce that right? Erin?
Um what's your next step? What what do you think the next thing that you can do needs to needs to be?
>> Me specifically?
>> Yeah. Do you have a a next step that you're thinking or You said you hope to take it to the to the school or to us.
>> Uh I think the Well, okay. I did do something on a small very small scale level. I took uh a little cardboard bin and I put it in my research class and I left it there just to collect paper recycling. Um I did get some back and I brought it back to my house recently and put it in to removed all the staples and put it in the bin.
Uh there the recycling that I have at my house.
Um on a a broader level uh I don't know. I think the easiest the most obvious thing to start with would just be to recycle paper since the school uses so much of it. And so that I think would be easy.
And would have a large impact too since when you have uh dozens of teachers and hundreds of students, that goes through hundreds of paper a day. Hundreds of sheets.
Any other questions?
>> I think that's a good first step.
Thank Thank you very much and thank you for bringing this to our attention. Um I I think we may have a some follow-up discussions on um uniform building practices in the district.
>> Thank you.
>> [applause] >> Um I I really was so impressed with all the students and their research and and thank you, Mrs. Marla, for your participation um with them as well and for guiding them. We had a lot of really interesting conversation around the IRB process. We also uh got to hear from the keynote speaker, Dr. Kelly, um who who was gracious enough to volunteer his time to talk to the students about his experiences and kind of I think bring some real life to them about the process not always being easy and um and and having to stick have that having that stick-with-it-ness. So, thank you also for um for being there.
Um my next piece of information that I would like to celebrate is uh Louie Menta. So, um Louie is a student at the uh technical school who was a student of the month for May.
Um I'm going to read what the tech school uh provided for me. I asked if that was okay, so I didn't um you know, embarrass him too much here. But, uh Louie Menta is a Quakertown student in the electrical program at Upper Bucks County Technical School. Uh he was named the May student of the month. As the youngest in his family, Louie followed in the footsteps of his older sister, Maria, who graduated from the dental program there in 2024.
Louie decided to attend UBCTS as a ninth grader after hearing that the electrical program was second to none. What he enjoyed most about the school was the balance between classroom instruction and hands-on learning.
He appreciated the the constant connection between the book knowledge and practical application, believing that success in the trades requires both understanding of the concepts and knowing how to use your hands to bring those concepts to life.
During his time at UBCTS, Louie has had several memorable experiences, two of which stand out the most. The first was that he participated in SkillsUSA at the district competitor level for electrical wiring, earning second place at districts.
Um only the first person moves on, but that person unfortunately was unable to attend the state competition. So, with a little bit less than 2 days notice, right? Uh he stepped into that role, uh rearranging everything, and actually uh performed so well he uh had an outstanding performance placing third in that. Um so, that was quite impressive.
His second experience that he talked about was really being a part of co-op, and I think for those members who um as I'm currently sitting as the superintendent of record at the tech school and having the opportunity to hear about the value of co-op from our students there, and that's also what Louis shared in terms of his opportunity to uh learn lessons that he didn't feel could be learned in the classroom alone.
Uh developing strong listening skills, importance of teamwork, and improved time management. Louis is currently working for his family's business, uh Loumenta Electrical Contractors, where he continues to gain valuable field experience. After graduation, which is just in a couple days, we had the opportunity, those of uh our board members who were there last night, to actually give out a certificate to Louis. Um so, he's very close to being done here, uh to continue to work alongside with of his father uh to absorb every bit of knowledge he can from him. Outside of work and school, Louis enjoys riding dirt bikes, going to the gym, and working on his 1999 Ford Ranger with his friends. His strong work ethic, dedication to his trade, and willingness to take on challenges made him highly deserving for the recognition of UBCTS's May Student of the Month. So, congratulations to Louis.
>> [applause] >> He is certainly represented Quakertown well, and um just wanted to highlight you here as well since um you know, not everybody would have the opportunity hear about that at the um at the tech school. And I have to put him on the spot a little too cuz I hadn't heard back from him about whether or not he's willing to come. So, when I was shaking his hand last night, I was like, "Hey, how about that email? You want to come?" So, I feel like he he wanted to come. So, can we take a quick picture actually of both of the students if you don't mind just so we can celebrate them?
>> [applause] >> Okay. Um and and last up for my portion of this, uh I have kind of tried to stay away from doing reports or things during this portion of of the uh meeting, but I felt like it was important to make sure that the community and the board was aware of this process uh that I've been going through the last couple months in terms of trying to get information from various stakeholders in the community about what's going well, where we might need to see some changes, and I promised when I set out to do this that I would report back to the community, and I've done that. I've shared this information on the website as well as in my newsletter, but thought that it was worth at least a couple minutes of your time to uh to hopefully just hear a little bit about what we've learned and where I think this can take our district. So, I will get started here. Okay. Um so, in general, uh since taking on this interim role at the beginning of March, I had the opportunity to speak directly to a number of students. I think at last count it was around 256 students, all secondary students, so 6 through 12.
Also sent out surveys, so thank you for the teachers and the community members who filled those surveys out for me uh to to try to find a way to while I know I can't um take every one of those conversations or every thought but try to condense that into something that would reflect what the community was telling me.
So let's start out with the strengths, right? What makes our community so special? The students really highlighted their their feelings that they were connected to extracurricular activities, athletics, music, clubs. That came out loud and clear as a strength of this district. Also they loved us particularly and remember this is only secondary students. They really loved the opportunities at the high school with pathways, with dual enrollment, having the opportunity to go to the technical school and feeling like they were finally setting their path forward for what they might want to do when they were finished with high school.
The staff really highlighted that they felt that they had dedicated and supportive colleagues who cared deeply about the students and each other.
Also came up a number of times the long tenure of many of our staff and the feeling that it really was a community that people came here, they wanted to stay here and that they valued the positions that they had.
Another thing that came up particularly for staff at the elementary level, uh the building level traditions. So feeling very connected to things that those buildings or those communities did.
From a parent lens, the positives really had to do with opportunities available to students. Again another large uh shout out there for athletic programs, our art programs and the technical school.
We also had a lot of positives about parent groups and PTOs and volunteering and how parents felt that they were able to connect with their students and that experience particularly at the elementary level.
And then there also came through a lot of community pride in the local schools.
So it was really interesting to hear from some people, you know, they they may have had ideas about how we could improve as a school district, but overall the sentiment was really proud of our schools, really proud of our our community. So, I think that's a real positive and something to celebrate.
But, there's some challenges that we have to address and I think a big part of this is naming the challenges and not being afraid to have difficult conversations where we acknowledge that there are some things that we could be doing better.
So, the students really consistently express that they want stronger connection. Uh it came through loud and clear from the secondary students that they feel like they're spending too much time on the computer. They don't feel like they have enough time with their peers and they don't feel like they're connecting well with their staff.
I recognize that this is an overgeneralization. It was not every student. It was not about every teacher, but in general, this is what we heard.
Um we also felt like uh students feel like they're disengaged. Like at some point they are just going through the motions of school and they're not really sure where exactly that they're connecting to their learning.
That's a challenge that we have to address.
From a staff perspective, they spoke a lot about needing stability, needing professional trust, and wanting to have a chance to focus on what they believe is best for students.
Um they really described feeling overwhelmed, feeling like they had constant change and competing initiatives, and just not really being sure what they should be spending their time doing.
From a community perspective, I heard a lot about the importance of having schools where parents feel like every child is safe and welcome and connected to that school environment. From a parent perspective, there was definitely a lot of conversation around rebuilding trust and a lot of conversation about rebuilding safe environments for students. And that's not just a safe physical safety. There was a lot of emotional safety and belonging kind of conversation in that as well.
Uh in that community challenge, we've heard here at the board as well, uh conversations around bullying particularly at the elementary level, uh certainly up through into the middle school, and uh a general overall feeling of how we can make sure that the students who come into our schools feel like they are part of that community.
It also uh highlighted for us in this that parents are looking for stronger communication. As I said, that rebuilding of trust and a shared sense of partnership. So, really feeling like they're an equal partner.
So, just to to kind of solidify um from the student perspective, what I heard loud and clear is we want more connection. And so, what we're looking at there is some more personalized learning opportunities for students to learn in ways that match their individual interests and strengths. And also to make sure that these elements of connection and belonging aren't just on paper, that they're authentic, that they're meaningful, that we have an opportunity for students to really feel like there's an adult or even a another peer in the building that they can um that they can go to. I think one of the hardest things for me when I met with students is if I met with a group and I asked students, um you know, is there at least one person is there at least one adult in this building that you could go to if you have a problem? And um it it just breaks my heart when somebody says no.
Because I don't I think we can do better than that, right? So, it doesn't mean that every day and every class is going to be your favorite. Um you know, we I've a lot of lots of conversations with kids who say, "Oh, you know, I just really don't like XYZ subject or I'm not connecting with this." That's not what we're what we're really talking about here.
What we're really talking about here is needing to make sure that everyone has a touch point, and that if you're struggling, that you have someone that you can reach out to.
So, from the staff voice, loud and clear, they want time, stability, and trust to do their best work. There is an understanding that our staff are experts in their field, right? They they are they are the ones who are in front of the students every day. And while we can all learn and grow together, I think what they're asking for is an opportunity to be involved in their own learning, to have some ownership over their own professional development, to want to be a more active participant in what happens in their classroom.
Uh also, as I said, they're they're really looking for stability and also a professional respect. And and the staff has heard me over and over again. We have some, you know, union members in here who have heard me over and over again. It's It's my belief that if we put that trust in our educators, um we will we will reap those benefits at the student level because we know that when they feel valued and respected, then they're giving their best to the students in front of them.
And from the community voice, clear proactive approach to safety and rebuilding trust. Um I know that I take that charge very seriously. I I have, you know, tried to uh start a new newsletter uh that's going out. So, hopefully you're all reading it. If you're not, you know, a little plug for the newsletter. But uh more more importantly, uh I I pride myself on being available. Uh you know, reach out to me if you have a question, email me, call me, come in, have a meeting. Uh it starts with those small steps to address what the concerns are, to get them out on the table, and then to be able to move forward together. In what we all have heard through all of this um through all this messaging is, you know, that shared partnership, that shared ownership.
So, the common thread through everyone, connection, belonging, respect.
Easy. I think, you know, it's it's oversimplified, but in reality, it's what we're all looking for. It's what what we all need to be able to move forward.
So, what have we done already, right? So got this information in March and April.
What have we already done? In March and again in May, we shifted our professional development day to to make sure that there was an opportunity for teachers to have more ownership. We started the morning going over this report with the teachers the same same way that I'm doing now.
And then we had an opportunity for some games and that may sound a little strange to some people. I know some members of my team were like, we're going to do what? Um but the the lesson in that was taking risk, building a community, learning from each other, being able to have some teamwork and and modeling that for what I'd like to see in our classrooms with our students.
We also had all professional staff in March. So within weeks of getting this information back, participate in a bullying recognition and response training. So all of our staff completed that in March.
And a priority for us is to try to rebuild our system in our school environment where we know that students can feel safe, connected and supported.
From a community lens, as I said, we launched a new weekly newsletter and we are also working to to try to get to have other ways to get feedback from parents. So that's definitely a priority for community engagement. In the last newsletter, I did also ask if any parents or community members are interested in being part of this work. So if you would like to sign up for that, happy to have you. And the purpose behind that is really I don't have all the answers. I don't I don't purport to have all the answers. I don't think the board thinks that we have all the answers, but if we can come together and figure out how to take this work and move it forward, we would invite you to be a part of that.
And in general, the vision from my perspective is just building the district we aspire to be. Who do we want to be when when there's something out on Facebook or there's something on the newspaper, or someone's looking to build a house, how do we become the district that everyone says like yes, Quakertown.
I mean, that that's what I want to see.
I I love this district. I'm I'm so happy to be able to serve this district in a variety of different capacities for a number of years, and and really feel that we are stronger together, but we need to build this this culture. We need to do it together. We need to have that sense of who are we? A big part of that for me is reconnecting to service in the community. I think we've lost a little bit of that. If you were at QE and we walked by, what's the big message when you walk in the door, right? Enter to learn, leave to serve. And I think we need to to reconnect with that and have our students have that opportunity.
Evaluating the role of technology, that came from the students. I'm sure you've seen in the newspaper lately lots of conversations about what what's technology, cell phone bans, and at the state level, all those kind of things.
So, we should be ahead of that and we should be talking about what that looks like in our schools.
And then investing in our staff, expanding professional development and leadership opportunities for them. Um So, in closing, um this is ongoing work.
It's it's not a one survey, it's not a one day, it's not a one board report. It you know, it's not one professional development day. It's going to take all of us to be willing to communicate openly, to have difficult conversations, to connect with one another, and to have a shared decision point that we are all going to work together to strengthen our district culture.
So.
Ta-da! That's the end.
Um I I thank you for giving me a couple minutes to kind of go over this. As I said, I know I sent it out, but I just I feel like talking about it is a really important step in making sure that we all are committed to what I hear from everyone. What I hear from the board, what I hear from the administration, my cabinet team, um and the community is we're ready to do something. We don't know what it is, you know, we don't know what it is, but we have some healing to do, we have some work to do to move forward. So, uh this I think is is an important first step.
So, thank you.
>> Thank you, Dr. Hoffman.
>> Um and now I have uh our student report.
>> Good evening, everyone. I have a long list of things since I'm the only one here.
Um okay. The marching band show for the upcoming season was revealed. It's called Under This Same Sun.
Um as many of you guys probably know, um we're trying out the Panther Prime at the high school.
Um and so students can come in a little bit later and pride is basically optional, so you can go in if you need extra help or if you have a test to finish. Um but if you have a way to get to school a little bit later, you can.
Um I have personally really enjoyed it.
Um extra 30 minutes is good bit. Um AP testing was the like a couple weeks ago and that went all smooth. Um heard a lot of good things, couple unsure things.
Um I took four exams. I think they all went pretty well.
Um and then Keystones for mostly underclassmen, they all went well. That was around the same time we had a bunch of testing schedules. We still have a senior final schedule, um like the past couple days, it's been all complicated. Um but we're almost there. We're almost at the end.
Um cheer tryouts happened a couple days ago. That was from May 19th to the 22nd.
I heard good things about that.
Um and then both the junior and senior proms went well. I know a lot of people had a lot of fun.
And it was fun. I went to the junior prom, had a great time.
Um, the senior picnic is coming up.
That's on June 2nd. Um, senior awards are also the same day.
The senior parade is on June 5th.
Uh, graduation is on June 8th.
So, seniors are very close.
Um, the technical school, uh, senior ceremony was last night.
Um, that went well, I think.
>> [laughter] >> Um, and then the Aspire program celebration on June 4th is at the district office.
That's all I got.
>> Thank you.
>> You're welcome.
>> And that concludes my report.
>> I have one question. I have one question.
How many days left?
>> Um, I don't know.
>> that's the That's the difference between a student and a teacher.
Cuz if I asked the teacher, they'd be able to tell me to the second.
>> It's like what I think of the end of the year is a blur.
>> Nine.
Nine days. Less than 10. Nine days.
>> Wow, that's crazy.
>> it's been a it's been a a challenging year, but it's been a good year.
>> It's been a year, yeah.
>> And it's been a year.
>> [laughter] >> It's been a year. Um, so, uh, you mentioned the, uh, technical school um, celebration. That was a a wonderful event. Um, so, you're right. It was great. Um, what of the other events you mentioned that are upcoming, which ones are you looking forward to the most? Are you looking forward to any of them?
>> Um, >> or it's That's next year I'll be looking forward to them.
>> Yeah, next year.
But I will be at graduation with choir, so I'm kind of excited for that.
>> Excellent.
>> That should be fun.
>> Anybody else have any other questions?
So, you said you took four AP courses, which which test you believe was the easiest and which was the hardest?
They're all hard, right? But >> Um Hardest was definitely AP physics, 100%.
That was very, very difficult.
Um But I also also think it could have gone worse. So, like that's a good thing.
>> [laughter] >> Fair enough.
>> Um And then I think the easiest was maybe AP seminar. There's like four parts like during the year.
So, that was nice. And then the exam was just 2 hours like straight through, like no breaks in between. So, it wasn't bad. It was just like a little writing stuff.
>> was ongoing, right? Like from January through It was a It was a 5-month process for the AP exam, basically, right?
>> So, how many AP classes are you taking next year?
>> Three, I think.
>> You're taking a break.
>> I'm also only taking five classes, so.
Yeah.
>> Okay.
And anything else?
All right.
>> So, the for the Panther Prime thing, you you think a lot of your friends and you're going to take advantage of that?
>> Absolutely.
Um >> Does it work in the morning or in the afternoon, too? Or just just in the morning?
>> I feel like it's nice in the morning.
>> Yeah.
>> Um >> Is that because of sleep?
>> Yeah.
>> Yeah, okay.
>> And it's just it like is almost a little bit of a Mandela effect, I guess, or like I don't know, something like that.
It's not that much later, but it feels a lot later. So, I know a lot of people really like it.
And it feels like more free and flexible and I think people like that feeling.
>> Yeah, right.
Awesome. All right, now I think we're done.
Thank you Dr. Hoffman. All right, moving into our standing committee reports.
Mr. Hipple, finance.
>> Finance met on May 14th.
Uh, with I was unable to attend but had some great backup on the board. They discussed the uh, third quarter year-to-date financials.
They also discussed the public school facilities improvement grant update which I'd like to personally thank Mrs. Hilton um, for pushing to get this approved.
She's done a lot of work on it.
Uh, Ms. Young reported about the proposed final budget update and while it doesn't look great, I will tell you that the administration has done an amazing job of asking tough questions.
Um, >> [snorts] >> this year was very interesting because the medical and prescriptions and dental uh, it it really went up. Medical was up almost 27%, prescriptions 21%, dental almost 9%, so it was an addition to the budget by over $800,000, so they did a great job reducing.
Unfortunately, the insurance companies really really got to us this year.
Um, the budget which is currently around a deficit of 9 and 1/2 million dollars, um, does not currently include a potential Strayer roof to be continued later in the budget later in the presentation or the meeting I should say and does not include the softball field either.
That concludes my report.
Thank you, Mr. Hipple.
Policy, Ms. Marolla?
>> Um the Policy Committee meeting was held on May 13th.
Um from that we are moving two policies forward for first reading tonight and eight policies are on for second reading and approval. Um and you can find those all on BoardDocs. Thank you.
>> Excellent. Uh moving on the QE Ad Hoc Committee. Uh we did not meet. However, I will be providing some QE related uh content during my presentation's report, so there's a sneak peek.
Moving into Communications Committee meeting, Mr. Lyons?
>> Thank you. The Communications Committee met on May 11th.
Um it was very quick meeting. Uh we discussed uh two potential contracts that are going to be presented tonight on the board. So, I hope everyone read through them and is prepared to discuss later.
>> Uh you want to continue with Education Foundation?
>> Sure. The Education Foundation did not meet. They will meet on the 10th.
And the Upper Bucks County Technical School did meet on May 21st. And uh I have a report that is uh in BoardDocs if anyone would like to read it. And uh we report that um the uh senior celebration last night was awesome. Had a great time and uh I believe the students all did. It was a wonderful event. I'm very always excited for that and my I say always in the two years that I've been on the board, uh it's been it's been a it's been a it's a great event and I hope everyone um had a great time.
>> And I'm glad that it was at Quakertown this year.
>> It's awesome to host it here.
>> Okay, moving into Facilities Committee, Mr. Spear.
>> Okay, the Facilities Committee met on the 14th.
Yes, I have uh two of them here.
Um so um we're going to be discussing oh pretty much everything that we discussed at the facilities committee meeting later at in the facilities agenda here. But we did go over another amendment to the traffic study portion of our QE project that'll be on the um facilities consent agenda tonight. A 2001 Savannah van and Hallmark trailer that we're looking to obsolete and list on Municibid. Um we're also going to be discussing some strayer roof options later.
I won't go into it now, but I'm sure we'll have plenty of discussion on that later.
We are going to consider releasing the QA renovation advertisement to go out to bid.
Um we're also going to be potentially approving a contract for SSC and the 26-27 maintenance contract proposals.
Um a new extension or a new contract for the um soccer team PA Rush that rents our um fields.
And we are going to be discussing tonight as well um softball options and looking to move in one direction tonight. Hopefully we come to a consensus on where we want to go from there.
And that is it for my facilities.
I can go right into my >> Student activities?
>> Student activities.
>> Thank you, Mr. Spear.
>> And we met on the 13th. I got that one.
Um we will be tonight we're going to be looking over quite a few contracts for the YMCA for our swim team. Um and some other little end of year things like obstacle courses for field days um our golf course contract moving forward um DJ contract for homecoming photo booth for homecoming um so we have quite a few contracts here. I won't list them all but we'll we'll discuss them all when we get to that consent agenda as well.
um And I can move right into the PSBA. Uh I have a Op, Quakertown Area Planning Commission did meet again on the 12th and at that meeting um we re-went over the PennDOT projects that were approved at the April uh Quakertown Area Planning Committee meeting and there are um a couple other um potential warehouses uh on the horizon but right now nothing's nothing's going in for any final approval so just things on the horizon.
Nothing really affecting the school district right now in the Area Planning Commission.
Um I did have one quick update for PSBA. Um they have um well there there's an election for a regional representative. If any of you uh would like to put your name in the hat uh for that that is available to somebody in Bucks, Montgomery, Chester and I believe Philadelphia counties, Delaware County as well.
And there's also PSBA quarterly meetups.
Um if you go to their website into your my PSBA account, any board member can sign up for these and it's a good way to meet with other board members from all over the state. And you basically have a an organized portion of that meeting where they'll they'll present a topic and everybody can kind of discuss that and then they break you out into regional things. So, into regional groups so you can actually meet with other school board members and discuss some of the same problems that we're having they may be having. So, it is very helpful.
And that is my list of reports.
>> Thank you, Mr. Spear.
Mr. Reimers.
>> Thanks, Mr. O'Donnell. Um the education committee met on the 11th of May and uh we didn't really have any uh action items to to go over, but we did get some updates from the administration.
Um >> [clears throat] >> Excuse me.
The um district was awarded an environmental education grant uh for about $22,500.
Um this is actually the second year we've gotten it and then last year's funding went towards some outdoor stuff over at Trumbull. This year the funding is going to be spread out over uh the five elementary schools. So, looking forward to hearing more about that um over the next couple of months.
The before and aftercare RFP, we talked a little bit about that.
Spoiler alert, there's more inf- information about that later uh in the agenda.
Um unless we removed it.
Uh enrollment updates, we talked a little bit about that and uh kindergarten registration, how that was going to be completed on the 31st which would be Sunday, right?
Um to guarantee that would guarantee placement at your neighborhood school.
Um obviously, you can still enroll after that. It just doesn't guarantee that you'll be placed at the school where closest to where you live depending on the numbers.
Um so, if you are still out there looking to enroll your kindergartner, do it soon.
And after that, talked about the sixth grade center and the Quakertown um elementary uh situation, the updates there. Um we talked about the need for a sort of a Q&A or a fact FAQ sort of a a thing. I know I saw that. I don't know if that was in an email or not. I believe it's out somewhere on the website, I guess.
>> It is. It's available on the website.
>> Um so, if you have questions, please go take a look at at that uh source. If you have other questions that you want to put anything need to be up there, please let us know and we'll try to get those up there as well.
Uh and then finally, we talked a little bit about Canvas. Um now I just want to say we are not talking about switching right at this minute. We're just exploring some options or at least talking about what some of the options are. Um but we did talk about some of the other things that we can do including um Google Classroom. So, if you have an interest in that, please go back and and check out the video on the education committee. We talked for a good while about that and got some good information about that.
And that is my education committee report. Uh do you want me to move right into the IU?
>> Please.
>> Okay. So, as always, my information that I get from the IU, I share in board docs so anybody can go and look at some of the great stuff that's happening um and there's a lot especially now this time of year. Uh it seems to be picking up as we get ready for summer and and you know, start to actually prepare for the fall.
One of the things I do want to highlight though is the Fab Lab summer camp registration. That's still open. I don't have a date for when that closes, but um if you want to go and and have your kids do some really cool stuff and I can't even tell you what it is some of some of the stuff is there's so many.
But it's engineering, arts, math, science, technology, all this STEAM stuff.
We'll do robotics, they'll do 3D printing, they'll do um uh you know, all these other cool things at these camps. They are week-long camps. I'm not sure about the times of the day, but um there's plenty of space still available.
So, please go if you are in if your students are interested in that, please go and take a look at that. I think that's a really neat program and speaking from a STEM teacher, I think it's uh fun for the kids to to get involved with. So, that was my um BucksIU report. Please, if you have questions, let me know or take a look at the stuff in BoardDocs.
That's it.
>> Okay.
>> Mis- Mr. O'Donnell, I wanted to bring something up um please to help Joe in the UBCTS. You reminded me when you talked about the Fab Lab camp. The UBCTS has summer camp registration, too, for elementary-age kids. And it is a lot of fun and it's very affordable.
And I believe it only runs over 2 weeks.
One week is for one group. Yeah. So, I think that's good for everybody else to know about that. You can register on their website, ubcts.
or ubtech.org. I always forget that.
Thanks.
>> Thank you, Mr. Speer. Mr. Reimers, do you have a legislative report?
>> I do. Thank you.
Um again, all of the legislative report is in BoardDocs if you want to take a look at it. I will highlight the one bill that I believe was just signed by the governor last last week, I believe.
The automated external defibrillator, I think I'm saying that wrong.
At interscholastic events, we have now a requirement to have not only the defibrillator, but people there that are trained to use it at all athletic events. So, I think that's a a great next step to where we are. So, I'm going to highlight that one.
And that is the end of the things I needed to highlight in that or wanted to highlight in that.
>> Thank you, Mr. Reimers. Moving on to public comment on agenda item topics.
>> Mitchell Hendricks.
>> While you're coming up, I'll remind everybody we have a 3-minute time limit.
Please address all comments to the board president, which is me.
And with that, name and municipality.
>> Hi, my name is Mitchell Hendricks and I live in Quakertown proper, near Broad Street, basically.
Uh Good evening, members of the Quakertown School District Board. I'd like to personally thank each and every one of you for allowing me the opportunity to present the importance of what LifeSpan before and after school care school program provides young students.
My name is Mitchell and I live in Quakertown and I had the opportunity to attend LifeSpan both program when I was growing up and also as an employee now today.
This a program allowed me to grow and shape who I am and I would have been negatively impacted if this program did not exist in the district.
Mainly because I would not be there.
I am currently working in for LifeSpan to pass on the same positive impact the program had for me.
Why is this so important that it's in the district building?
Basically, there's three things.
First, it provides a secure and centralized building for for our program.
Security at the door, everything's locked. Um, physical safety as well as emotional safety. The students are able to have connectivity, being able to see each other, especially across schools.
It's also better suited for facilitating enriching activities that meet our PA school standards.
Including daily homework time, um, daily lessons with lesson plans and projects, as well as daily outdoor plan play.
This also helps with kind of to uh it's um it continues uh care between teachers and our program.
These all reinforce continuity with parents and teachers' wishes um, for the growth of their students and children.
Lastly, Play Span also offers a program that is well-maintained and following STARS and PA PA state standards for infants all the way up through sixth grade.
All this being said, without this program, a lot of students would go home to an empty house. Thank you.
>> Thank you.
Nobody else signed up?
Okay.
Um, moving on to president's report.
>> [clears throat] >> Um I think it's been alluded to, we had a an amazing turnout at the final Quaker Town Elementary walk-through on Tuesday.
Hundreds of people showed up to uh share memories, take photographs, tour the facility. Um, a lot of people [snorts] you know, were upset and you know, teary-eyed, but at the end of the night um everybody leaving had a smile on their face, right? It was a I thought it was a very well attended um and it was a a good experience for the community to have a chance to go in and uh see the see the building that we remember one one more time. So, I I want to thank the administration for allowing us to uh host that walk-through and um you know, finding the time to schedule it and and and make that a priority. Um it meant a lot to me and I know it meant a lot to uh a lot of folks in our community.
Um on a completely separate non-related topic, um we are currently in the midst of our superintendent search. So, we are currently reviewing applications and we will be setting up interviews shortly.
Uh I do want to thank all the stakeholders who participated in the focus groups a few weeks ago.
Your feedback is much appreciated and will be considered as we are selecting the next superintendent here at Quakertown.
Um and with that, I will conclude my president's report.
Um we're going to move into the election of board officers. Can I get a motion to appoint Ms. Dawn Young as board treasurer for a one-year term beginning July 1st, 2026 with no compensation for the position and to be bonded in the amount of 2 $20,000.
>> I'll make the motion.
>> I'll second.
>> Motion by Mr. Hippauf, second by Ms. Marolla.
I was going to say the board treasurer's term expires June 30th, 2027.
>> I'm sorry.
>> Any discussion?
>> call?
No.
>> So, there was a question, does this have to be a roll call? I don't believe it needs to be a roll call.
>> no dissent, I wouldn't bother with a roll call.
>> I'd say the only dissent I'm wondering is is over there.
>> [laughter] >> He has He doesn't seem to be She hasn't fled the room yet, so.
>> There's a chance.
>> Uh any discussion?
>> No.
>> Okay, all those in favor?
>> Aye.
>> Any opposed?
Sorry, Don. Motion passes.
You're stuck with us.
Uh speaking of >> [clears throat] >> Uh 2026-2027 QCSD proposed final budget update.
>> Okay, so I'll I'll start this one. Um we we have not made additional changes to this from the finance committee meeting.
Uh in the past when we had informational items on, we we heard feedback that people missed them or that they felt like it was buried in the agenda, so we did make this a separate section so that it was available for everyone to view, but we did not intend to redo the presentation unless someone felt that they needed us to do that. Um we can certainly ask questions of our newly elected treasurer and uh CFO if need be, but I just wanted to clarify that even though there were no changes, we wanted to make sure it was front and center so that everyone had an opportunity to see it and didn't feel like it was hidden somewhere in the agenda.
>> And I I do believe this is like kind of a living document and we're going to be adding and adjusting it at tonight's meeting, probably most likely.
>> Correct. So we are continuing to refine the budget even if the document that's forward-facing doesn't change, it doesn't mean that there's not continued work going on behind the scenes. At the June meeting, you'll see uh you know, what what we have done up through that point, but even at that point, you know, we we will continue to be refining and and finding savings wherever possible.
>> Okay, hearing that, is there any discussion or any desire for us to delve into the presentation further?
Uh hearing none, we can move on. This is not an action item. So, thank you for putting that front and center and and and putting that there for everybody to um, click on the presentation and dig into all the numbers that we've been looking at for the last several months.
Um, >> [clears throat] >> moving into items for board action. Uh, we're going to start with item 9A, before and aftercare. Uh, this is a open motion for somebody to fill in the blank of the provider that they would like to make a motion for.
Okay.
>> I don't have a motion.
>> Okay, so in the event that we have no motion, does is that just for clarification, is that business as usual or is that we're no longer going to offer the >> Well, the contract ends, so we can't beyond the contract.
>> then I'll make the motion. I will make the motion that we award this contract to Right Right at School.
>> I'll second that motion.
>> A motion by Mr. Lyons, uh, second by Ms. Marola. Discussion.
>> Um, in our the summary that we were given, the rubric that was put together by our staff rated them the highest. They also have a, uh, very, um, affordable cost to the, uh, families and their information is being brought in here.
And uh, I think they have a lot to offer.
>> I I I really like that we offer this program even though we we don't have to.
Um, and I I believe we are looking to continue offering our families this care uh, just potentially with a new supplier. And as uh, Mr. Lyons said, they did rank very highly in the uh administration evaluation.
>> Right. And I want to um make sure this clarification is known for the public as well.
The before-and-after care service that the district is offering is continuing even with a different vendor.
So, it's not going away. Our families aren't There's there there there will be an opportunity uh at our at our at our schools at the uh the elementary schools to uh to have before-and-after care service.
>> One thing I I want to make sure and I think I understood it from before, but am I understanding right that this will put the service in all of the schools?
>> So, similarly to the RFP that we did with transportation, all of this is pending the actual contract coming out, but that was a stipulation in our um in our RFP process was to was to have this at all of our sites. So, that would certainly be something that would be part of that conversation.
>> So, we're we're then Are we You finished, Brad? Can I >> Yeah, yeah, yeah.
>> So, to follow up on that then, were all of the bids that were submitted um equally set up to run a program in every elementary school, or would say the current one that we have that only operates out of the sixth-grade center remain that way?
>> So, the um the multi-site management was a request of ours. Not all uh groups that responded indicated that that would be their preferred method of doing that, but uh all indicated that that would be part of their willingness when we got to a contract phase. Uh but but some of the um the respondents did indicate that they would prefer to have it only at one site versus the multi-site, which is what we were looking for.
>> And we currently bus from the other elementary schools to um the one shared site.
>> Correct. So, even though the district is um, not responsible for before and after care because our students attend before and after care at the sixth grade center, they need to somehow get from that sixth grade center to their schools. So, the district currently um, provides that transportation at our cost.
>> And and >> You said at our cost?
Thank you.
>> And the the last the last question I had or clarification, I mean, I can see I can see your report here, but everybody else can't. So, I'm kind of asking this for everyone is that the um, families pay for this service that since the school district isn't required to, the families pay for it and the the recommended um, provider that we're we have the motion for right now on the table was the least expensive of those the options that did submit bids, correct?
>> So, there um, the it was the highest ranking and uh, the second lowest cost, but there were some other factors in the lowest cost that would actually make that cost more.
So, on the surface, uh, it does not look like the cheapest option, um, but in in reality, it comes out to be um, the most affordable for families based on the information that was that was provided by this group. Now, um, as the board knows, the summary that you received from the evaluation committee, um, and and that was a report from the evaluation committee to me as not part of the evaluation committee, uh, which I shared with you is not for public view at this point because uh, those contracts have not been finalized, um, but so, that's that's why that I just want to let the public know why that report is not publicly available. The RFP >> of asking some questions just to bring to light some stuff that we can only see on the report and not >> I just want to clarify why you have information that the public doesn't have access to right now.
>> Okay.
>> No.
And just one more point of clarification, when you say costs, those are family costs, the district does not pay for these services outside of bussing.
Um in fact, we we do revenue sharing and potentially site um rental fees from these services. So, we we actually get money from these services.
>> So, that's correct. So, the families are responsible for the monthly tuition. Uh they're usually also responsible for registration or re-enrollment. And then there is usually additional fees if they were to, you know, drop in for extra days or, you know, not normally taking after school care, but come for after school care, they would pay all of those fees. And then uh the successful uh awardee would be responsible for what they indicated in terms of either a monthly site fee, a revenue share, or a combination of both.
And that would come directly to the district.
>> Any other discussion?
>> I have a question. If we switch providers, are all of the families that are currently enrolled in the provider that we are using now guaranteed a spot if it switches over?
>> Sure. So, that would be a family choice.
So, uh you know, the if if you were to go with a different provider, it doesn't mean that this provider couldn't choose to have this service at another site. Um you know, there are there are certainly off-site care services right now that families participate in. Uh so, we would certainly not be mandating that that families make a different choice, but we would have that available and and would make sure that families knew that it was an option if that was what they chose.
>> If part of the RFP is to have these services in all of the buildings, do all of the buildings have the facilities to accommodate that?
>> Yes.
Uh the the answer to a place that might have been more difficult to do that would be QE, but that is a uh you know, a non-issue for for next school year.
>> That will be taking place at the sixth grade center then.
>> Correct.
>> It won't be at QE.
>> And then I have one other question. Um, historically, how long has the district been partnering with LifeSpan for this service?
>> Um, so I don't have an answer to that. I think easiest answer for me right now is like as long as I've worked here, but I could get that answer for you. I don't I don't have that. Um, I also know that that they do um, provide additional services through the district um, and and for the district uh, in terms of some pre-K programs. I just want to be clear that that's a separate contract that has is not related to these services.
>> And the summer project or the summer program that um, is offered, is that also through LifeSpan and is that separate?
>> The summer camp is also currently offered through LifeSpan. That was not a part of this original before and after care. Um, we did uh, decide >> [clears throat] >> to to not offer summer camp this summer for two reasons. One because our location was not going to be available that we had um, and number two because we were in this RFP process. So, uh, moving forward if if the district and the provider were were interested in looking at summer camp, we could certainly, you know, talk about what that would look like.
>> So, currently for 20 for in 2 weeks or 3 weeks when the summer program would normally start, we're not running a summer program this summer or that's still up in the air?
>> My understanding is that the program is running, but we are not hosting it, but I I would have to double check on that.
>> Okay.
I'm done.
>> The executive summary says the contract covers a multi-year term beginning in August of '26.
Is the multi-year not specific because there has not been contract negotiations yet?
>> Correct. So, we asked for um, in our in our you know, we didn't ask for 1 year.
Uh that would all be subject to the conversations that we have back and forth in terms of what the contract looks like.
>> Thank you.
So, >> [clears throat] >> there again, referencing the content that not everybody can see.
Um it looks like the the scores um based on the rubrics that were used um would would you is it fair to say that they're they're fairly tight?
The difference between first, second, and third is not astronomical.
>> I think that's a I think that's a fair uh takeaway and I think that's actually even one of the bullets that it that it was close in terms of the margin um which which we could expect for something like this because we know that all of the providers have, you know, similar certifications and they are required to meet similar standards. So, I don't know that we anticipated anybody submitting and not being able to meet those thresholds. Uh so, there were really just, you know, a couple of differentiators in there that that are, you know, up to whether or not those things are important to um to someone.
>> Okay.
Any other discussion?
All those in favor.
I.
>> I.
>> I.
>> I.
>> All those opposed? Nay.
Motion passes.
Moving on to items 9B. Uh we are going to move past 9B. Uh I'll give a little reasoning for that. Uh this motion was designed for us to be suspending um our policies to make an allowance for the carnival because the initial certificate of insurance that we were provided was uh insufficient based on our policies.
Um we have since been provided with a new certificate of insurance that meets our minimum needs. Um so this is now just a reminder that the Fireman's Carnival will be happening behind the high school. Uh Mr. Lyons, dates?
>> Uh June 2nd through the 6th.
Please come. Encourage anyone in our buildings to sign up for the dunk tank.
>> I'm not going to do the dunk tank again, Mr. Lyons.
>> Mr. Lyons, well I'll be running it.
>> You'll get in.
>> I will probably get in.
>> I'm going to move to item 10, fiscal consent agenda. Can I get a motion to approve items uh 10A through 10E as presented?
Oh, sorry. I apologize. I apologize. I'm going to rescind my motion or my request for motion, I should say. Can I get a motion for items 10A through 10C as presented?
>> I'll make that motion.
>> Motion by Mr. Spears, second by Ms. Rogers.
Terry, that was 10A through 10C consent agenda.
>> [cough] >> Thank you for the reminder.
>> Mhm.
And Terry, let me know when you have that.
Okay.
But >> Spears, Rogers.
>> Any discussion?
All those in favor?
>> I.
>> I.
>> Any opposed?
Motion passes.
Now, can I get a motion for item 10D as presented?
I'll make the motion.
>> [snorts] >> I'll second.
>> Uh discussion.
>> You separated out, so >> I I have a read Yeah, so we're going to have an abstention on this one.
>> Okay.
>> Okay, hearing none. All those in favor?
>> I.
>> I.
>> I.
>> Any opposed?
Any abstention?
>> I.
>> Motion passes.
Uh finally, item 10E. Let's Bounce Around Reynolds.
Motion to approve the contract of an obstacle course with Let's Bounce Around Reynolds for the 2026 High School Field Day in the amount of $709 pending solicitor approval.
>> I'll make that motion.
>> Motion by Mr. Spear.
>> I'll second.
>> Second by Mr. Hippauf. Discussion.
Hearing none, all those in favor?
>> I.
>> I.
>> I.
>> Any opposed?
Motion passes. We're moving along. Now, we're going to grind to a halt.
Um I believe there's several of these that um board members want to pull out for discussion, so I'm not going to treat these as a consent agenda, and we're just going to go through them one at a time.
Um so, can I get a motion for item 11A, the 2026-2027 maintenance proposals as written or as presented?
>> I'll make that motion.
>> I'll second.
>> Motion by Mr. Spear.
Certainly.
Yep. We'll We'll We'll discuss a lot. It was It was a Mr. Spear was the motion and the second was Mr. Reimers.
>> Rob, you may want to come up to the podium. I'm sure we're going to have some questions for you while she's typing.
Uh I I can start with this one. Um these are contracts that we since you can see the prior year on here, these are contracts that we renew every year. They're basically preventative maintenance contracts and service contracts, correct?
>> Correct.
>> And you can I mean, most people can see by the costs here, they've all gone up, you know, marginally, some of them even down a little bit, but it's nothing um out of the ordinary here.
>> So, the one I would ask about is the one that we're changing contractor the uh is it Croff Chemical Company?
>> Correct.
>> That Oh, that went down. I'm sorry. I I was reading left to right, not right to left. I take back what I'm going to say.
>> So, I have a question and I don't know if it's appropriate here or if I should wait until later, but has to do with the geothermal pump uh location.
I believe one of the and correct me if I'm wrong, one of the softball field options is going to be on the geothermal pump area.
>> That geothermal pump is for a PM service of the pumps themselves. That has nothing to do with the system at the field at the high school.
>> Right, but I remember a couple years ago where one of the pumps went and you had to dig up the field and I remember the story >> Yeah, it's not really the pumps, it's the the pipes underground.
>> Yeah, but >> And that Well, right.
>> This is a PM system like a poff strayer.
Any any building I have with a geothermal system, it's for a pump PM service to service the pumps that operate the system.
>> that's my question here. And and this is where I'm not sure, is this the geothermal pump prevention, is that the one at the high school?
Or is that for something else?
>> that's included in that. There's four geothermal pumps at the high school in the basement of the school that operate the geothermal field. This is just maintenance on these pumps that are 150 horsepower pumps.
>> What I'm really what I'm really worried about is what I'm really worried about is, >> [snorts] >> you know, and I didn't know. Thank you.
If that would be a a factor in the decision later.
And it's here, so I thought I'd ask.
>> No, whether we do our field or not, these pumps are needed to operate the school.
>> you.
>> Yep.
>> I actually would like to go back to the question I thought Mr. Hippauf was asking. So, for the one that we changed um contractor, what prompted the change in contractor?
>> Unsatisfactory service.
>> And how did we find the new contractor?
>> Online. References, and I called multiple places.
>> And is the price significantly less cuz the change of contractor, or is it because there's maybe a less school cuz we're not doing QE, or both?
>> Both.
>> Okay.
>> Any other discussion on this one?
Hearing none, all those in favor.
>> I.
>> I.
>> Any opposed?
Motion passes.
Can I get a motion for item 11B dishwasher bids as presented?
>> I'll make the motion.
>> Motion by Mr. Hippauf.
>> Second.
>> Second by Ms. Rogers.
Discussion.
>> Now, Rob, this is in your um annual budget. Your [clears throat] No, this this is also on >> This will be capital capital projects, not capital reserve, capital projects funding.
>> Okay.
>> Can you >> I mean your capital projects budget of >> This year.
>> This year. Yes.
>> Yep.
>> Can you tell me the significant costs that were or I guess accumulated escalating repair costs?
>> I would say in the last 3 months, I'm approximately $50,000 in repairs on these three dishwashers.
Actually, dishwasher currently as of yesterday blew up. They said a contactor blew up. So, I'm putting a generic contractor in for the next 9 days of school.
>> So, when spending that much money, I think about myself. If I'm putting that much money into a vehicle, maybe it's time to ride that vehicle a lot because you just repaired it a significant amount.
>> That's not how dishwashers work.
>> They are at the end of their life expectancy. They're all between 20 and 25 years old. And they're used hard.
>> Perfect. Thank you.
>> It's time.
>> And I have a question [clears throat] because it looks like you we already approved the proposal from Singer to replace the high school dishwasher, but yet you are now requesting [clears throat] we go to Culinary Depot to replace that high school dishwasher.
>> That's correct. Back at the February board meeting, we had on the agenda to replace the dishwasher cuz it was currently down and the costs were also significant. Since then, that that was approved to do, I've kept getting more and more deficiencies on the other two dishwashers and I didn't use my capital project money because the chiller came from capital reserve. So, we brought it to the facilities committee. I explained what was going on and then we decided to move to the board level for this price.
>> So, so again, I I kind [clears throat] of knew that, but I explaining to everybody else because you said we already approved something from Singer Singer.
>> That's correct.
>> You never actually ordered it. It was never purchased.
>> That's correct.
>> a three-month-old >> due to the cost of it and its significance, we decided to go out for bid. Lori worked with with the bid and we got the prices back actually lower than we anticipated.
>> Okay.
>> Thank you, Mr. Spear. Any other discussion?
Hearing none, all those in favor.
>> I.
>> I.
>> Any opposed?
Motion passes.
Can I get a motion to approve the administration to accept the highest bid from Municibid [clears throat] for the 2001 Savannah van and 2001 Hallmark trailer.
>> I'll make that motion to list those two.
>> I'll second.
>> Motion by Mr. Spears, second by Ms. Merola.
Discussion?
No.
Ms. San Angelo, are we good? You're caught up?
Okay. Uh all those in favor?
>> Aye.
>> Aye.
>> Any opposed?
Motion passes.
Okay. Can I get a motion to approve and I believe this is supposed to be the administration to advertise for bid the QE renovation project.
>> I'll make the motion.
>> Motion by Mr. Hippauf.
>> I'll second.
>> Second by Mr. Spears. Sorry, Mr. Reimers, I'd beat you by a split second.
Uh discussion?
>> Exciting times.
>> Yes, I would concur.
>> And Mr. Garden, this is um this is just approval for them to place the ad.
>> Place a bid.
Asking for bids for the construction work.
You're not accepting any bid, you're just offering it out to the public and the appropriate contractors submit proposals and bids.
>> But again, it's one step closer to actually getting started on this project, so.
About time.
>> Well, we've we've we've started on the project cuz we have our um we have folks lined up to start the work that isn't the construction and demolition work. So.
Okay. Uh all those in favor?
>> Aye.
>> Aye.
>> Any opposed?
Motion passes. Uh speaking of some of that work, uh can I get a motion to approve Schrader Group Amendment nine as presented for $6,200?
>> I'll make that motion.
>> Motion by Mr. Spears.
>> Second.
>> Second by Ms. Rogers. Discussion?
>> And this is amends the Schrader Group contract that the [clears throat] bureau had asked for additional things for the traffic study.
>> Correct.
>> And PennDOT.
>> PennDOT for the for the intersection at 7th and Park Avenue.
>> Correct.
Any other discussion?
Hearing none, all those in favor.
>> I.
>> I. I.
>> Any opposed?
Motion passes.
Uh can I get a motion to approve the SSC contract as presented for the amount of $1,469,444?
>> I'll make the motion.
>> Motion from Mr. Hippauf.
>> I'll second.
>> Second by Ms. Merola.
Discussion.
>> Mr. Christine, I know over the last what, three or four years we've had SSC in here two or three times to answer to some of the the challenges that we were experiencing at the time and and to be honest, I was not impressed with the answers at either of those any of those uh meetings.
We're up for a uh their contract is up for us to approve again.
Has have those issues been addressed? Have they gotten better? You're in the schools more than us.
Uh you see the you were aware of the challenges then. Have they been addressed?
>> I think that they're going in the right direction.
>> That's not an That's not an answer.
>> They've been been addressed to a certain degree. They're They've been improving.
They're doing steps to improve. They hired another night time full time supervisor to assist with Laird. So, there's two of them now working.
Uh they agreed to put one of their staff members at the high school to work on Saturdays, like a Tuesday through Saturday deal, which would help eliminate overtime for all the sports events, music events. So, I fought for that one. I think that's going to be a significant savings for the district there. So, click uh cleanliness, they're going in the right directions. We are not receiving as many complaints as we have in the past.
And like I say, I think the only way to get this back close to 100% would be everything back in house.
To bring in-house custodians in.
>> So, I I had a follow-up to Brian's question. I think it's sort of the same and kind of So, what they are doing here is only asking for an additional year put on to their contract at the current rate we're paying. So, they're not And they did say that they're going to give their employees raises. So, they're essentially like in like a sports contract, giving themselves a prove it year here.
>> I understand that, but >> We're making some changes.
>> place when they were here, we were this close to voting to have no confidence in their ability to do the job.
Um I know Mr. Hip off and I talked about it at the time and we were less than impressed the last time they were here.
Um and to Mr. Kerstein's point, I haven't heard as many complaints, but that doesn't mean they're not there and people didn't just get tired of complaining cuz nothing was happening.
And I wanted to make sure, and I still want to make sure, that if we're extending this contract even for a year at What was it? 1.4, right?
Then we're going to get the quality of service [clears throat] that we expect and in my opinion, we hadn't been getting up until well, I don't even know if we're getting it yet. Um but I I understand your point. I appreciate it, but um I have higher expectations than what we had seen before. And I'm glad they're moving in the right direction, but that doesn't tell me if they're there yet.
>> I did confirm with Mr. Gardner we do have in our a 30-day clause for unsatisfactory work, performance issues.
So, we we can get out if we want with 30 days notice. We're not locked in for 1 year. At that point, we choose to do that then we have to go out for RFP and start that process. Give them the 30-day day notice and get a new group in.
>> Or hire our own people, buy equipment, and try and create a full staff in 30 days.
>> always an option.
>> Millions more.
>> No, I know. I know.
>> Any other discussion?
Hearing none, all those in favor?
>> I.
>> Any opposed?
Okay.
Can I get a motion to approve the contract contracts with Penn Rising and LVU?
Items 11G on the agenda.
>> I'll make that motion.
>> Motion by Mr. Lyons.
>> I'll second.
>> Second by Mr. Spear.
>> Mr. Cristoning, is Penn Rising the same as PA Rush?
>> There's two separate groups here. I don't remember off the top of my head which was which. Original was Lehigh Valley, LVUP, and then PA Rush. And they both had two groups. Those two groups basically got divorced. And now they both have a two new groups. So, we canceled the original contract, implemented two new contracts with two new teams on there for the same amount of hours. Instead of 500 hours for the original contract, it's 250 and 250. And we did talk to Brian about this for our scheduling and everything's basically the same.
>> Yeah, that was >> Our athletic director, Brian [clears throat] Liacona.
>> Correct.
>> Thank you.
>> Not me.
>> Correct.
>> I was clarifying.
>> [laughter] >> That was my question is now these two [clears throat] groups aren't going to be fighting over time or >> We actually brought them into our office and had a meeting with them cuz I said Brian's not going to be mediator and nor is my department between you guys arguing who and when. and they're like, "We will take care of it."
>> Okay. How many hours did we did they have last year?
>> They are Right now, they're well over the 500 hours. Even with all of the snow that they couldn't get out there, they're here all the time.
>> Yeah, aren't they closer to like a thousand hours?
>> Oh, it's or more.
>> Yeah, it was way over.
>> Yes.
>> Any other discussion?
All those in favor.
>> Aye.
>> Aye.
>> Any opposed?
Motion passes.
Okay, item 11H.
So, what we're looking for here is a motion for one of the options um that has been presented here so that we can discuss.
>> I will make a motion for option one, which is the high school property, location one, turf field at the end of Fifth Street for $4,837,774.
>> I will second that motion.
>> Motion by Mr. Hippauf, second by Ms. Marolla, discussion.
>> So, we've gone through a lot of options here. I mean, pretty much I believe every possible option we could possibly have looked into. And even the options on here, there are there are, you know, option two, three, and four on here, and even the second location is kind of an option five on here.
And we've on top of looking at the Rossa fields, on top of, you know, pretty much everywhere we can possibly turn over a stone, we have.
Um still not, you know, this is going to be very expensive.
And what we're voting on now is sort of to pursue this option, not necessarily agreeing to that cost, not agreeing to any of the um any of the options right now. Correct that those are still going to be future conversations?
>> So, at this point, if the board chooses one of these options, you're agreeing to have the administration move forward with recosting and planning for that option.
As of right now, we've been costing and planning for all of these options. So, the vote here is to make a decision to move forward with which one. It is not that exact dollar amount. Obviously, uh that can change. We can certainly look at the options and have further conversation once one of these options is selected.
>> Could we ask Ms. Young to um explain to us how this might fit into our budgeting process?
>> So, um at the finance committee, it was briefly discussed and asked about if we went with the option of the 4.8 million, that um at this time, how that looked with our fund balance and the budgets. Um so, we discussed the potential of debt service.
So, I did reach out to our financial advisers. Um and at this point, an estimated number would be roughly to include that, the cost if we took out the debt service and did not do anything for 25 years except to pay it as is, it would cost interest of about $4 million now. Keep in mind, and yes, that was interest. Keep in mind that we typically have paid them and refunded them sooner, um getting savings on them, and we definitely could do early payments, which then would reduce the interest cost on there. Um so, I just want to point out that if you potentially believe that the debt service is how you would potentially want to fund this, um PFM is going to be here at the June board meeting with the board resolution parameters for the next issuance of bond money.
Depending on the timing of when things are, they recommend if you want the just the opportunity to be able to do it that that board resolution would include that not only could that bond money be used for the Quakertown Elementary, but could also be used for this purpose. We don't have to use it for this purpose. We can spend it all on the QE, but it gives us the option, which is approved in June, and then after the bids come back and are approved in August at the board meeting, after that meeting is when the bond issuance would occur. So, it just provides that in case this is something that would happen during the school year, and if you wanted to go the route of bond issuance.
>> I'm looking forward to talking to PFM.
However, I'm not a fan of taking debt for this.
That is to pay interest on this when we have $30 million in fund balance, and I realize our debt structure our deficit in our um in the district for this year and the foreseeable future to a potentially 3 years, um I still don't think it's financially wise as of us to take debt service on this.
>> All right.
Can I go? I actually wrote something down cuz I wanted to prepare all my thoughts for tonight. Um so, I want to acknowledge that I wasn't at the table when the decision regarding our multi-purpose field was made a few years ago. So, I don't know all the decisions that went into that choice.
What I do know is it was a unanimous vote, and I'm confident the board believed they were making the best choice for our students in the community at that time. However, we have to deal with the reality of where we are today.
We are looking at spending millions of dollars for a new softball field at a time when we are also facing a large budget deficit. I do not take spending taxpayer dollars lightly, and I am confident that I drive our administration team crazy every single month with the sheer volume of questions I ask about the bills list.
But here's the reality, providing equitable facilities to our male and female athletes isn't optional. It's what we're required to do and it's the right thing to do and this expenditure is a direct consequence of a past decision that created a gap. I know we have a less expensive option on the table tonight to convert the multi-purpose field, but this isn't about choosing the lowest price tag. Spending money to build a field that will might not even solve the problem is not a wise investment and will end up costing us more money in the long run.
So, tonight my vote is about meeting our obligations and making a smart long-term investment and moving forward I'm committed to asking the tough questions early and I will do my best to hold ourselves accountable to not finding ourself in the situation again. Thank you.
>> Okay, Ms. Merola.
So, again, we're we're not necessarily committing to going out to bond for this. We're not committing to paying fund balance or capital reserves for this right now. We're just going to say we're going to move forward with this plan. The financial options on how we're going to pay for it will come later, correct?
>> So, if you want the option to utilize debt service and you anticipate that the project will happen during this next school year and there will be cost involved, I do need to let PFM know so that when we come in June, cuz we don't meet again until August. And we have to have the parameters resolution done before um the August meeting so that we can have the sale. So.
>> in June. Why? I'm just >> I didn't ask for you to do that.
>> [laughter] >> Ron, isn't there another bond issue related to QE after the one you're going to do in September?
>> There is, but if we're going to incur costs now, there's only that 60-day window of using back funding.
>> include money for this if that's how you chose to go with a later bond issue after this one.
>> We could >> You're not You're not concluding your financing for QE with this issue, Am I correct?
>> Correct. We have three more including this one. Um PFM suggested if you're anticipating utilizing funds this year, that well, in 2026-2027, that including it in this one as a potential if you anticipate and I don't know the timeline of when this potentially could get done, either. So, it may be a moot point because maybe it's not going to happen until >> to design it, you have to do all the other get approvals and all the other things you'd have to do. So, I don't think you need to rush to have it included in this particular issue.
>> We do have Mr. Lynch is here hiding back there and um I he's given us some some rough drawings, but I don't believe we have anything in concrete, anything planned that would be ready for shovels.
>> No, and I I don't Yeah, I know, but I don't think we need him. I don't think that's relevant to the discussion tonight.
>> Oh, [laughter] no, I mean, it is if if we were going to go out >> up there.
>> what what Mr. Garten was saying, if it's going to be money that we're supposed to spend this year, we would have to decide that very soon.
And I don't I don't know if we even have plans that would could be ready for this year. That's what I wanted to ask Mr. Lynch.
>> The timing is too far for this for this ball field to be ready for spring time, that we're too late for that.
>> Okay.
>> Mr. Lynch, if you wouldn't mind.
I mean, you have been sitting there all night. We might as well bring you up.
>> Fire at will.
What are the questions as far as timing?
>> Softball field. Um >> That's what you're here to talk about.
>> So, Mr. Mr. Garten was right as far as permitting goes. And um you've heard the same letters over and over again, NPDES, [clears throat] right? Because we're disturbing more more than an acre for this option, we'd need to uh have a civil engineer. You need to apply to the County Conservation District and get an NPDES permit. Um, I would suggest to you for this option, which is synthetic field, which will also include a storm water basin of some sort because the conservation district considers synthetic to be impervious, and that's included in the concept pricing.
Um, you've got design development to put together the permit application, submit for the permit, and so you're not bidding this until after softball season.
Next spring.
>> Okay.
>> Mr. Lynch, I I couldn't make it to facilities this last time. Uh, and Mr. Spear mentioned that you had put some rough sketches together.
Can you share them with the rest of us so we can kind of get a visual sense of what this >> I don't know who has them. I'm I assumed you did. I'm >> Ab- Absolutely. So, those sketches do exist, um, and they were not attached.
>> No.
>> This option was not attached to your agenda, and so we can do that, but they've been provided, um, previously. So, it's the orientation, the end of 5th Street, um, softball, uh, field, uh, backstop, um, dugouts, and it also includes the lights.
So, that's where the number >> Um, >> is right now.
>> The other my other question, because I haven't seen these sketches, so I don't have a spatial relation to where they are to those houses along What's the name of that street there?
>> That's 5th.
>> That No, the other the side street.
>> Oh, uh, uh, Cedar Crest.
>> Cedar Crest. So, there's houses right along in there somewhere. How close would the field be to those houses?
>> Uh, we're not hitting balls into backyards.
>> That That's in the other direction.
>> Uh, that's what you want me to say.
>> Jump right into the answer. That's right.
>> Yeah.
>> We can orient the >> So, we don't have to worry about new nets in 2 years because of the one Okay.
>> No.
>> So, Mr. Lynch, there's there's another option not on the table at the moment, but one that we were presented, which is modification to the existing multi-purpose field. You said that building a turf field at the end of Fifth Street, which is the motion on the table, we're not doing that until after next year.
What about modifications to the multi-purpose field? What would the timing be if if we had that motion on the table today?
>> Um you're on the multi-purpose field, the modifications are primarily to the pitcher's mound. Obviously, the pitcher's mound is in a different location, and so a movable pitcher's mound for both softball and baseball would need to be procured and put into place. So, it's very quick, and I would imagine that those modifications, yes, would be done in time for softball season.
>> And that is a fraction of the cost.
>> Yes, as we discussed at the facilities meeting, those there were still some question about the foul lines. It would need also a temporary backstop. We'd already talked about the temporary fencing, and we still would need a solution on how to store it, who is bringing it out, who is putting it away.
Um and I'm just concerned that costs would escalate, and it wouldn't really be the right experience for either team.
>> That cost >> to mention scheduling five teams for one field.
>> That cost could double, and we'd still be four and a half million dollars less.
That cost could triple, and we'd be just under four million dollars less.
>> Well, and we'd still have nowhere for that. I mean, there's five teams playing on one field.
How do you practice? How do you do How do you handle any of that stuff?
I mean, it would be a nightmare to do, and it it would actually make the field worse for both both sports.
>> Mr. Lynch, you you mentioned about moving the the baseball mound.
What would that look like then for baseball? How would Would it be a portable mound at that point?
>> Um if it pleases the board, we did a site visit to a similar field since the facilities committee and that's uh Perkiomen Valley and they have a synthetic field with a multi-purpose field in the outfield very similar to yours.
>> it's a lacrosse and soccer if I remember right, right?
>> Um that's what they use it for.
Um but it I mean it is a baseball and softball venue.
And the visit was conducted to answer just those uh questions and also yes, the dimensional questions that were raised at uh facilities.
Um and I'll ask Dr. Hoffman and Mr. Kerstein to correct me if I misspeak, but the first question was how does this work where we do softball and baseball on the same field? The one point is that Perkiomen Valley has a natural turf softball field as well.
But the field has lights and so both teams at some point or another want to play under the lights. So we heard um about the pitching mound and what it takes to pull the pitcher's mound off and replace it for softball. We heard about the base paths and how they work and the batter's box and how that works.
Um we found that also their foul territory is also uh not doesn't have the dimensions that are recommended in NFHS.
And the two dimensions that came up at facilities are recommended dimensions, not mandated dimensions. So um that was interesting because we went to their softball field and their softball field for the foul territory also does not meet within the mandated dimensions and I can show you countless examples of the same situation in many softball fields in the Lehigh Valley. Still, I think what we heard was the practice of pulling out the outfield fence, which is stored in a container next to the field and setting it up for softball is an arduous process. You need to build something that is um quite sturdy, so it doesn't blow over in the wind. That is a number that is included in the price for uh your field. Um I think I've got $49,000 in there. And when you looked online at one of the more sturdy um fences, it was in the neighborhood of $15,000.
So, I think I've got that accounted for um for you. And I think that's what we heard is moving the pitcher's mound back and forth was something that is possible. Uh the bases uh the bases that they use at Perk Valley are bases for softball that have spikes in the bottom. And so, they grip the turf.
But, they are not immovable like a post installation.
So, we actually pulled a base out and ran against it, if you will. You know, grown people doing that was probably not as the same force. But, if it doesn't grip the turf, that base has a propensity to move. So, we have to make sure that >> Did it?
>> yours are sturdy. It did. It did.
At uh for It's just a loose base that has >> teeth on the bottom of it.
>> Right.
>> Um but, we heard that pulling the fence out and putting it it it you know, moving it is a pain. It falls over at times. I'm not sure that we heard anything about how it improves or or takes away from uh the play. Um and we also uh heard that softball at Perk Valley prefers to play on their softball field as opposed to the dual sport field, if you will.
Um probably because it's their field.
>> That's right.
>> Right.
>> So, I have a question related to some of the things you just brought up. And I have another question related to the other field.
>> Sure.
>> So, for the moving stuff back and forth, you've used terms like arduous and can be done.
What concerns me, and I'm hoping the rest of the board, in our specific situation, as Mr. Spear would point out, is the number of teams that would have to use this field.
Is there a time element to do this? And how realistic is it to potentially play two games in one day, or five games in one day, or even day after day? Like, how fast can this be moved from one field to another?
>> And great, great question, and and I know our AD is here as well. Why I say arduous is exactly for that issue, is the scheduling. When there are games back-to-back, it takes time. Do they There were comments about whether or not buildings and grounds had enough people to help with something like that. Um it's not appropriate to ask the student athletes to help with something like that. And so, it usually falls on one or two or three people in order to do it, and that's, you know, that's where it's crazy. And the scheduling issue is what makes it more difficult.
>> Okay, and my other question, sorry, related to >> You were getting head nods.
>> the option that were that on is on the table is um you spoke about the field uh being classified as an impervious item and the stormwater basin.
It's been a long time since I've been in a meeting related to those things, but I think if it's the same as it was 30 years ago, you're we're required in making those improvements to not change the amount of runoff from that is exist currently, right? Don't you have to do a test?
>> Excellent, you could be right here.
Yes.
>> So, I want to make sure that >> post development rate of runoff and quantity has to be less than pre-development.
Right? There's That's a That's the easy way to say it. After I've finished installing something like that, whether it's QE or a synthetic field, there has to be less stormwater leaving the site at a slower rate.
>> Okay.
And how is that accomplished?
>> It's accomplished either with a surface basin like the one that's at the end of the new multi-purpose field or with an underground basin. And usually it's a basin that is lined with fabric and just has stone and open pipe in it. So, it retains the volume and it controls the release.
>> Like a QMB field that's actually under the field. And at Alumni Stadium, it's under the playground at QE.
Uh maybe or potentially under the uh front parking lot of the new QE.
>> Yeah, all over QE.
>> Yeah, all [laughter] over QE. That whole site is going to be underground basins, so.
Where there isn't building, there's an underground basin.
Okay.
Anyone else?
>> Yeah, I've got something. Um Do you have something? Go.
>> No, go ahead.
>> Mr. Iacona, can you come up for a moment, please?
>> Like we're just lining them up over here.
>> My question for you, sir, is the scheduling um baseball and softball same time of year.
I'm sure you've kind of done some type of scheduling at a computer in your head and tell me about the lack of difficulty or the difficulty of scheduling with adding a softball team to the multi-purpose field.
>> I mean, like I think I've discussed before previous meetings when we have practices and games of all the teams, you know, and you have we were we still going to need our community fields with Rosa and Memorial Park in order to hold practices when there's a double-header or softball or a double header baseball game if you chose that option.
>> So, it's the it's more difficult, is what you're saying?
>> going to be more difficult, yeah.
>> Obviously, right?
>> I mean, a lot of >> Adding another team on there.
>> Correct.
Most of the options, Q&B, all those options that where there's multiple fields shared, creates more problems.
>> Okay.
>> Okay.
Piggybacking onto Mr. Hipoff, with five teams on the AstroTurf field, or turf field rather, um what is the rate of wear and tear increase on that field?
>> I mean, it's going to be more on the infield, like, you know, we're talking about alumni, you got a lot more running, where baseball and softball is more stationary except for the base paths, so I don't know.
That's probably a you question than me question. I don't have much experience with that one.
>> As far as wear and tear on the fields, the synthetic turf, we've seen, you know, anywhere from 10 to 12 to 15 years.
Um in the region, the field that probably gets the most wear and tear is the turf field at Liberty High School.
Um the band and all of the sports play on it.
And it's been replaced, um uh twice.
And each time, I think they've gotten at least 12 years out of it. So, the product that you're you're putting down is very sturdy, regardless of who the manufacturer is with, you know, how turf is made these days, and, you know, I think for what we're talking about, there really isn't a noticeable rate of deterioration.
We see the same thing on, um we'll call it lacrosse fields, where the goalie spot gets worn quickly. Certainly on baseball or softball, the pitching mound is an area that gets beat up, but that's an easy replacement and repair.
>> Okay.
>> So, I hope answers.
>> Yep. Follow-up question to that one.
You're talking about the spiked-in bases um and you were saying that uh your group as adults running and play sliding, jumping on them had movement on them. Is it prudent to say that if we had some very talented uh softball and baseball athletes that a movable base is more prone to cause injuries if we >> I would like to see a base that's stationary for you so that we don't have an issue. And I'm sure we could talk talk long and hard about the base the base with the spikes on it and whether that gives in the event of let's say a collision at a base versus staying stationary.
>> I'd be more worried about the sliding into the base.
>> Mhm.
>> Yeah. And I I'd venture to guess that a um a uh senior or a uh you know, a high school level softball player is probably more athletic than Mr. Lynch and could probably move a base easier than he could.
>> assertion.
>> Mr. Lynch, I would not >> I want to say I did not say that.
>> Yeah, sorry.
>> Not my words.
>> We have a police thing going on and so he hits me whenever he can.
>> I know.
>> Ask him Ask him to do a race right now.
>> too um as far as wear and tear goes, I didn't hear that cuz I'm talking, but anyway >> A race >> A race between you and him?
>> Oh, no. I can't >> [laughter] >> I need some recovery time, but anyway, um right now our alumni field is probably pushing 20 years old now.
Dr. Hoffman?
>> I don't think that you Are you talking about the turf? That was just on that No, I don't I don't think that turf is that old at this point. We we are coming up We're coming up on needing to replace it, but it's not 20 years old.
>> I believe it's 2013 if I'm not mistaken.
>> Okay. So, 2013 we're we're at like 13 years on that field and it's used primarily every day and just last year when we had that flooding, um you know, they said that there is still a good amount of life left in that field. So, I'm I I think the wear and tear we we've been pretty good. We've had pretty good luck with it here.
Um but the multi-purpose field that that the real question I was asking is for Brian, Mr. Iacona. Um currently that field's used pretty much every day. If it's not baseball, it's lacrosse, it's soccer, it's >> We're talking and I'm sorry I was >> multi-purpose field.
>> Multi-purpose Lacrosse is not in the multi-purpose field. Okay. Girls and boys lacrosse is Q&B and alumni field.
>> So, who's using multi-purpose then?
>> Uh soccer and field hockey can play on it in the fall. That's what it was designed to. They do most of their practices there. We do although we have had games there.
Um fall ball for baseball used it a little bit in October once the net was up. They had a tournament there. Uh and then throughout the winter our external groups are really using it heavily including the the fall too, the external group.
>> Yeah. So, I'm saying it's getting good use now.
>> It's it's being used.
>> Very.
>> Absolutely.
>> Okay.
>> Right.
>> All right. I'm ready to vote.
>> Well, hold on.
>> [laughter] >> I'm glad Are we done with questions to these guys?
Cuz I just like to make my peace just to >> But no, I I have a question.
>> Go ahead.
>> So, how many softball students do we have currently and are we projected to have in the next several years?
>> Um at the high school level we were at 30 Help me out, ladies. 28?
22.
But my first year was 26 or 20 Yeah. So, I mean average and then >> down 22 as a guess.
>> 25 25's a good average.
>> 25.
And we just said turf we've got 13 years we're coming up on it.
What's an average turf length?
>> 12 to 15.
>> 12 to 15. 15 if we're good?
>> Depends on usage.
>> Yeah. We'll say 15. We'll be good.
>> Most manufacturers will give you 10.
>> Correct.
>> Yes.
>> 10 years, but you can get more life obviously with maintaining it, making sure, you know, even distribution.
>> I'm hoping for 20.
>> You can hope.
>> Got it.
So, okay, we're for that first option, looking at 12,000, almost 13,000 dollars per student per year for 15 years at that type of enrollment. That's our spend.
Thank you.
>> Did we do that same calculation for the boys in the baseball field?
>> I did.
>> Okay, thank you.
>> Yeah, how about soccer and field hockey and everything else? Like, you know, the fields are used by a lot more than just one team. And even if this is just a softball field, uh I'm sure they could be holding batting practice. They It can be used for other things and it will be probably used for other things throughout the year. So, it it's tough to just put a price tag per student and try and say this is how much we're willing to invest per student in a sport because I think that's a real unfair way to categorize how we're using any of our facilities here.
>> And and you're free to not use my calculations in your decision making.
Mr. Lyons.
Okay.
So, I just want to address a couple of concern or reasons why I'm supporting the motion on the table.
Um first off is the is the uh impact on all the all of the teams involved that this solves a or not solves, might not be the right problem right word. Uh this is address that the scheduling issue more than anything else. And my biggest fear related to that is if we go the other route and add more field more play teams to one field and we have an issue somewhere down the road where a a game gets missed or something, and then we're changing and everything, then we're creating similar we're creating the opportunity for more problems related to the scheduling. That bothers me. As far as the options for softball specific, if we're not knowingly addressing the drainage problems, then we're not fixing a problem, we're moving it. So, that's why I'm supportive the um the storm water retention and creating that's the a field that can be used that we're not having the same problems we have now with rain that we've been hearing for years related to all of our outdoor facilities. We live in a swamp, we know that.
So, that's my my two cents on that.
Thank you.
>> Much like Ms. Merola, I was not involved in this initial decision that led us here.
Um I have serious concerns with us as a board knowingly selecting the most expensive option before us given the um deficit that we're facing um even knowing that this isn't going to happen until you know, the following year. I I don't see where aside from borrowing the the money where we're going to come up with money for this this project at that dollar amount.
I see other options um that are not before us for an action at this point, but we're in the uh potential options ahead of us that would you know, be much uh would they be as great with all the bells and whistles as the option we're putting forward? No.
Would they um provide a much more equitable experience than what the girls have now?
I I I'd say the argument is being yes.
Um One of those options has an alternate that we could attach to it. If we'd picked uh the third option and we chose to add the alternate to it, we'd be at the same cost as option two and they'd be getting two fields on school grounds.
I think it's irresponsible to knowingly spend or borrow 4.8 million or 5 million dollars to move forward at this point.
I think there's more cost effective options that you know, may not be the best the best option out there, but I think they get us where we need to be and in more responsible way.
So no, I'm I can't get behind this one.
If we were talking the second one or the third one, I probably could get behind it, but this one is just too much given our budget and that's why I'm against it right now.
>> I do have a follow-up question is is we do have option one and two is why turf versus natural grass?
>> They can play in the rain and right after the rain.
>> Are you asking the administration? We had this conversation. It's around the fact that we would be unlikely to be able to play on a field that is not turf due to the nature of the area here with the water. So the thought is the same as with the baseball field that or the multi-purpose field that the conversation around the the likelihood of really being able to get on the field is low.
I want to say I was not on the board at the time of the other field decision and I respect Mr. Donald's point about why are we looking at in the most expensive option.
But when we're looking at things were not considered or did not appear to be considered when that other decision was made we have to rectify that and sometimes yes, you do have to spend money, but we are put in a position where things have to get fixed.
And since things weren't considered, I feel like just saying, "Oh, well, if we look at option four, and we'll just consider something that was rejected the first time around, is kind of like, "Oh, well, we'll just do it now, even though that wasn't important when the other field was put in." So, I understand that it is a lot of money, but I also feel like it's a situation that was created that we now have to find a solution for.
>> I was on the board when we made that decision. I um understand that maybe that wasn't always the transparent approach, that the perception is that we didn't consider some of these things. Some of us did. Um my issue with number three specifically is the safety and the timing issue.
Right? If we're putting five teams on a field, and we have to deal with, you know, however long it takes to make the field ready for one sport from the other, and we have five teams that need to use that field, I think that's impractical.
Um you know, that being said, I don't know that I think we need a turf field with lights, but we did it for one, you know, what we do for one, we should be doing for the other. It's the fair way. So, um yeah. That's where I'm at.
>> So, I I would like to maybe finish up, but what I what I will say is um uh we definitely did in the multi-purpose field consider all the same options. In fact, I mean, not the same options, but we considered many, many options. We visited fields all over the borough, in Richland Township. We even talked about Milford Township, pumping station road. I mean, we we went over so many options and why we ended up with that field with the artificial turf, with lights, the way that field was is for the same reasons that we're considering doing it to this field. If we put a natural grass field in there, it wouldn't have drained. The baseball team would have not been able to barely play any games there. If we didn't put lights there, then we would we would have been in creating and we would have been creating a the same issue in reverse though by not giving the boys the same option that the girls had because the Rossa fields had lights and had a scoreboard and they could play in some of those conditions that our boys field wasn't. So, at the time when we put the multi-purpose field in, we did consider these these same options. And you know, the fact that we're doing it now, I mean, to be honest with you, I believe it's the right move to have our teams playing on our property and it's it's a great option for them to just be able to walk out of school and go to practice at the end of the day or go to a game. And I think it's going to help with their school pride, with their community pride. It's going to help with the whole area. I mean, we're building a great sports complex here. And as much as we don't want to admit, we are in a competition with private schools, with charter schools and with other things where we need to make our school district an attractive place that people want to be at. So, I think that this field, this option one, helps to do that and you know, I'm glad to support it. Um and that's it.
>> Thank you all. You've made some excellent points.
Um this will probably need to be a roll call.
>> I would suggest that.
And to be clear, a yay or a yes is to approve the motion to go and move forward with option one.
>> yes, for clarity's sake, the a yay vote is to allow the administration to go forward with a plan for a turf field at the end of 5th Street.
That's high school property location one with a estimated dollar amount of $4.8 million.
>> Mhm.
>> Okay, Mr. O'Donnell.
>> Nay.
>> Ms. Hahn.
>> Yes.
>> Mr. Rolla.
>> Yes.
>> Mr. Rogers.
>> Yes.
>> Mr. Beer.
>> Yes.
>> Mr. Reimers.
>> Yes.
>> Mr. Hippauf.
>> Yes.
>> Mr. Lyons.
>> Yes.
>> Motion passes.
>> Thank you everybody.
>> We had the full full range of experts here today.
>> thank you for all the hard work that went into those proposals.
Um Okay.
>> Hey, uh Rob, do you still >> Mr. Mr. >> [laughter] >> Mr. Mr. Christine, read the room.
Can I get uh we have two options before us for the Strayer roof.
Um The recommended action is the one I'm going to read, so I'm going to ask for a motion there. A motion to approve Procom roofing contract for Strayer roof restoration at $1,215,000 pending solicitor review.
>> I'll make that motion.
>> I'll second.
>> It is a motion by Mr. Beer.
A second by Mr. Hippauf. And discussion.
>> So, this is option two?
>> Um >> Mr. Christian, why don't you take the floor here?
>> I don't have them in front of me, but the I believe the first option was was to continue the roof warranty that would cover the leaks and repairs to the termination at the end of the contract, and that would be a zero dollar amount and I think they agreed to if we conducted yearly maintenance inspections by the certified Garland roofer.
Option two, I believe was to replace the roof with the Kiwi product, a Garland product for the cost of 1 million, I think it was $215,000.
I'm guessing, I don't have it here.
>> It is. If you want, I can I can bring >> We've talked a little bit about it.
>> And and that's that [snorts] comes with a 25-year NDL warranty, which actually covers the material and the labor. I did confirm that and I think I believe I attached a sample warranty to the agenda there.
So, I mean, the recommendation is is even though there's 8 years left in the warranty to get this roof with the with a 25-year warranty cuz I think if we kick this down the road and and stretch out the current warranty to 2034, the cost to replace the roof at that time will probably exceed a four to five million dollar mark.
>> So, that's what I was going to ask. If if we waited, we're looking at four to five million dollars. I know >> Yes.
>> we we walked the roof with them and that was that was their number.
So, to be clear, 1.215 million dollars, they put this roof on as long as we're doing inspections, um it is a 25-year no dollar limit warranty. So, other than inspections, we are not paying a dime.
>> That's correct.
>> For 25 years.
>> That's for material and labor?
>> That's correct.
>> Okay, thank you.
>> And actually, as we speak, I have a company from New Jersey doing an infrared scan on that roof just to confirm it it aligns with the Garland's infrared scan.
>> And it's scanning for?
>> Wet spots in the roof.
>> Thank you.
>> At 9:00 at night?
>> They they do it they have to do it in the dark.
>> Really?
>> So, they will be there from probably 8:00 tonight till like 1:00 in the morning.
>> And what could go wrong?
>> Yeah.
>> [laughter] >> And what if >> So, I So, I will say um that this this um option two is also removal of all wet areas down to the deck and replacement of insul- insulation.
So, that is why it is a great idea to get that our own thermal image scan so we can make sure that they're replacing everything that needs to be replaced.
>> in the the contract there was a certain percentage. I want to say it was a $2,200 mark that they had like a cushion in case they came across more wet spots. So, hopefully that amount will cover if we do find additional wet spots.
>> And this is the whole roof cuz they replaced a large portion of the roof.
>> It's all brand new. The The The portion they replaced was approximately 30,000 square feet over top of the auditorium back approximately 3 years ago.
>> And they're still going to put this over that.
>> That's over top of that and also the lock rooms, all the drains area and the pitch pockets they were already getting all brand new, too.
>> Let's be honest.
They They knew the roof that's on there, there was problems with it. Correct?
There was There was defects and they came to us with a solution.
You, listening to you, you did a fantastic job at whatever elevation we were arguing for another 5 years. Their original was a 20-year no no dollar limit warranty.
>> Correct.
>> And just everybody knows, he argued for the extra five, you know, citing that, "Hey, listen, I can I I believe this will pass the board with 25 but not with 20."
So, I want to I want to thank you cuz nobody else was up there to witness that. So, you did a great job.
>> Thank you.
>> And And Mr. Garten, you reviewed this warranty?
Oh, okay. Well, >> I just received that yesterday and depending on the approval, if it gets approved here, it'll be on Jeff's within the next 10 minutes. It'll be in his email.
>> So, and this is >> That [laughter] would be great.
>> We actually want them before the end of the meeting.
>> Yes.
>> Yeah.
>> No, but so I was this will be pending solicitor review of of this warranty and contract.
>> Correct.
>> But we will need a quick turnaround to get this going.
>> Yeah, no, I >> Because of the time frame cuz this has to get in before students I mean my other concern is still ESY in that building. They start in a couple weeks.
So, if we can get this turned around, get this approved by by Mr. Garten, get this back to them, at least they can start removing the wet spots to eliminate the noise that would, you know, disturb the ESY program.
>> I I'm I'm hoping that we vote to approve option two right now.
>> I will say being in a building that has been under construction where we not we, but it was decided that we would just patch and then let it go and then having it rain inside multiple times and then having to take it all off and then go back and put a whole new thing on when that perhaps maybe should have been the first course of action in the first place.
>> My my daughter sends me pictures of trash cans collecting rainwater at Strayer all the time, so I'm sure others that have children at Strayer have >> Oh, I mean where I work personally, like it's we should just do it.
>> Any other discussion?
Hearing none.
Uh all those in favor?
>> I.
>> I.
>> Any opposed?
So, Don, I'm sorry. We're going to be adding that to the next budget.
>> Oh, and that comes out of capital reserve?
>> Those are smart comments.
>> Would you like that to come out of capital reserve or would you like it added to the general fund budget?
>> What do you recommend?
>> Um we do have money in capital reserve.
Um >> Can we look at it both ways?
Or can you Yeah, go ahead. Sorry.
>> Um you you can. So, um But, I just need to know if it's if it's going in general fund, it has to be part of the budget by the June 17th meeting.
So, you have time to think on it if you like, and we can make a decision at the next finance meeting.
>> Well, I think I think Rob wants a decision as soon as Mr. Gardner approves the uh >> I don't the funding source, I don't think Rob is getting in the middle of. So, I think it's going to be up to the board and Dawn as to whether it comes out of general fund dollars or it's capital reserve.
>> Okay. Well, can we see a listing of the cuz we have a chiller and things of that nature, right? So, can we see a listing >> numbers if you want them.
>> I'm sorry.
>> I have the numbers.
>> No, I'm a visual person. I need to digest it, please.
Um so, if you could send that to us, that'd be >> Okay, I will send it to the whole board.
>> Yes, if you would please send that to the board and Mr. Lyons.
>> Sorry, just related to that, I'd also like to know what's the long-term impact on the capital reserve fund of adding this to it. If you have that on there.
Excellent. Thank you.
>> And and and we will provide an answer to you prior to the next meeting.
>> Thank you.
>> have two alternate an alternate budget with an inner as a general fund or a capital reserve.
>> We're going to have two motions.
>> We're going to have two motions.
>> [laughter] >> That one over so well.
Moving Moving right along.
Uh can I get a motion to approve items 12A through 12D as presented human resources consent agenda.
>> So moved.
>> I'll second.
>> Motion by Ms. Rogers, second by Mr. Riemers, discussion.
Hearing none, all those in favor.
>> I.
>> I.
>> Any opposed?
Motion passes. Item 12F is recognition of reinstatement of Adam Kukowski effective April 1st, 2026 as a building lead. There is no action required.
Moving into policies and program consent agenda.
Um, can I get a motion for items 13A through 13H as presented?
>> I'll make that motion.
>> Motion by Ms. Marolla.
>> Second.
>> Second by Ms. Rogers.
Discussion.
Mr. Lyons, you just came off mute.
Did you have something?
>> No, I'm ready to vote.
>> Okay.
>> [laughter] >> The way The way you did it The way you did it I thought you were ready to jump in there. So, hearing no discussion, all those in favor? I. Any opposed? Motion passes. Okay, on to uh item 14 technology consent agenda. Can I get a motion for items 14A through 14E as presented? So moved. Motion by Ms. Rogers. I'll second. Second by Mr. Lyons. Discussion. No, the only question I have was the Comcast um service agreement.
Um, don't we get uh don't we have our um internet service through the IU and through a you know, a consortium with the whole county?
>> Yes, our internet service is through the IU.
This is for SIP connection for our new phone system.
So, the phone system will actually be using our current IU internet connection, but you need the SIP to translate those numbers into >> the SIP to translate those numbers into dialable numbers into the district, if you will.
>> Okay. So, and this is $804 a month?
>> Correct. Our current Our current bill for PRIs that are both in this building and the high school comes to, I believe it's a little under 3,000 a month. So, this is quite a bit of savings per month.
>> Okay.
>> And really, this is just the because it's a change of service, they need authorization.
>> And the phone system is in the current budget for next year?
>> Correct. So, the I think it's A.
>> A.
>> That is just approval, assuming it's going to stay in the budget that we can start that process of ordering for next year, so we can One is price increases have been happening every month. This is to lock in that price, and then also to get that equipment in as early in July as we can to get it installed.
>> [clears throat] >> All right. Any other discussion?
Hearing none, all those in favor?
>> I.
>> I.
>> Any opposed?
Motion passes.
Uh I'll make the next motion for item 14F, motion to approve the purchase of CrowdStrike under a proposed 3-year government contract, billed annually at a yearly cost of $30,816.02.
This is an estimated 20,000 in annual savings.
>> I'll second.
>> Motion by Mr. O'Donnell, second by Mr. Hippauf. I pulled this out because I'm feeling extra contrary tonight, and I have personal concerns with um this contract.
Um I understand why we're doing it, and it probably makes sense in the grand scheme of things. Um but I've already discussed my concerns previously with Mr. Kuzo, so that's the only reason I pulled this out.
>> What were your concerns, Mr. McDonald?
>> Um >> [clears throat] >> the company itself has recently undergone a fairly significant um supply chain attack and compromise um that they got some flak for um which is part of the reason I suspect they're offering annual savings here um to try and secure people that are going to continue to use their services.
Um It happens to all companies. It happens to providers like that. Uh just it's fresh in my mind, so I'm a little hesitant.
That's it.
>> So, my question is though if we're we're we're doing this to purchase this contract, I guess this hardware and software we're leasing here through CrowdStrike?
>> CrowdStrike is a It's an endpoint detection and response. It's software.
>> Okay. So, why are we why are we paying SHI and not CrowdStrike directly?
>> Uh they don't sell direct. You You go through a reseller.
>> Okay.
>> SHI is a technology reseller.
>> Why I asked the question.
>> I I have literally have nothing else.
So, anybody?
Hearing nothing, uh all those in favor?
>> I.
>> I.
>> And opposed? Nay.
Motion passes.
Told you I was feeling extra contrary today.
Um moving into [clears throat] the sports and activities consent agenda items.
There's a lot here. I'm going to ask for a motion to approve items 15A through 15N as presented.
>> I'll make the motion.
>> I I heard Mr. Hippauf first for the motion, so we'll give the second to Ms. Rogers.
>> Sure.
>> Okay.
>> Sounds good.
>> Any discussion?
>> Um these contracts um especially with the Arbiter YMCA, the obstacle course, um all of these have been reviewed by or are pending changes for the reviews with Mr. Garden and I know um you know, we gave him plenty of time this time, like a full day.
So >> Well, I I have reviewed every one of these contracts where the service or the event is imminent.
Some of the other ones which are coming in the fall or even next spring, I've not gotten to yet. Most importantly, I found nothing wrong with the batch ice cream contract.
>> Okay.
>> [laughter] >> Except for you would like to be invited or You you are correct. That is the most important one.
If they want to present to the board.
>> So so I will say we we have been doing our due diligence and spending a lot more on attorney fees just looking at these contracts, but you know, in the you know, we're doing this to make sure that we're providing the safest and the the best possible outcomes for the district.
Yeah, some of these contracts uh our legal review probably cost more than the contract's terms.
>> it's I don't think you're spending an ordered amount of money if you look at the bills once.
>> Well, of course you're you don't.
>> [laughter] >> Well, additionally, once once a a boilerplate contract has been reviewed and signed off on, we are not we are not requiring additional reviews in subsequent years.
>> And we and we are and we are working to try and standardize this this list, so we can um be sure that, you know, next time Fox Hollow Golf Course comes up, we can say we've already reviewed this contract, no terms have changed, we can approve it without legal review next time.
So.
>> Okay. Any further discussion?
Hearing none, all those in favor.
>> I.
>> I.
>> I.
>> Any opposed?
Motion passes.
Almost done, folks. Information items.
Um Remind [snorts] The appointment of voting delegates for PSBA Delegate Assembly 2026.
Um We still have not appointed our delegates. Is that correct?
Do we have anybody willing to volunteer now?
In front of our captive audience here.
Uh >> Captive?
>> All right.
Um >> I mean I >> I I will reach out.
>> Is there a deadline?
>> I'm sorry. Is there >> It doesn't have to be >> No later by the June 24th. Got it.
>> And >> Let me review it. Let me review the calendar. I might be able to attend this.
>> It doesn't have to be >> somebody from our district, either. I think this is regional. So.
>> Uh this is This is >> one. That's the other one. This is the delegate assembly for us. This is our representative for the uh and they're having a conference on November 7th, I believe.
>> Yeah, Saturday the 7th.
>> It's always >> 9:00 a.m. So you >> It's always right around >> Pretty far, right?
>> Is Conemaugh Valley like in Western PA?
>> Middle of the state.
>> Okay. Okay.
>> Thanks, Jen.
>> Um We have uh for informational items, we have student searches, senior high school suspension report, SRO report, enrollment updates, district vacancies, right-to-know legal bills, uh transportation trend analysis, bus patrol monthly activity report, uh donation logs, and our middle school guest speakers and presenters.
All right, moving into board comment new business. Anybody have new business for the board?
>> I do.
So, we do a lot of great things for graduation every year with a picnic and a a a the the car parade and many [clears throat] different things that we do. Senior awards.
Do we do a uh senior walk-through? Like a walk through the elementary schools or the Strayer so that they can see their teachers and the kids that are in the district are like, "Oh, this is so cool.
Oh, I know you." Right? Like all the the excitement of it. Not just for the kids walking, but for the kids in the schools.
>> Yes, so that was a recommendation a couple years ago and it's called the senior strut and we do have that and they have the opportunity to go around the schools and and walk around. I could look at my calendar for what date that's happening, but yes, that is something that we do now and and certainly something to look forward to.
>> Great.
>> it is >> Can we attend?
>> Um the third >> to see it.
Yeah, I think it'd be awesome.
>> if you just reach out to me so I can make sure we coordinate which buildings you want to be at or or what we're doing. I'd be happy to >> Perfect.
>> I I cheated last year with my uh daughter was a senior and participated in the strut and I think that was the first year we did it was was last year and I volunteered in my youngest daughter's school that day as a volunteer for the day so I could surprise my eldest daughter who was doing the walk through and didn't know I would be there so.
>> Okay, so that's not cheating. That was that was like engineering Poor thinking.
>> I I Great. Thank you very much.
>> Okay, any other new business?
Excellent.
>> brought up the carnival so.
>> You can you can do another reminder.
Plug it.
>> Is carnival Is carnival June 2nd to the 6th and I understand there might be a board member in the dunk tank.
Ms. Han, you're going in the tank?
>> Absolutely.
>> Dates for board member calendars, please make sure you're reviewing them and updating your personal calendars.
Uh uh now we're at general public comment. Is there any public comment for us for those of you that hung in here this long?
Just come on up.
No?
>> I thought she was getting up.
>> Did we get him? We got him. We hooked one.
>> He did get a new haircut. He's got to come out and show it off.
>> He's got to be on camera.
>> [laughter] >> Thank you, Mr. Gerhardt. Please name and municipality.
>> Uh Jason Gerhardt, uh Richland Township.
Um first I want to, you know, make a couple points. Hopefully I remember them. And some reminders. Um Quakertown Elementary, it was definitely great. The community walk-through seemed like it was well attended. Had to cut out early to um but um I was kind of disappointed there wasn't really anything there of what the new is. It was all just a walk-through and there wasn't any like banners or any diagrams of of what the new is. Um I um it'd be also nice to put a sign out on the fence or banner to you know, say, "Hey, coming soon." or um you know, this is coming cuz, you know, we so know the struggle is letting the community know. Um I was at the borough council meetings uh for the approvals and the planning commission and I know the planning commission recommended some changes to the high school parking lot and the Sixth Street, but it seemed like the professionals, the traffic engineers, said it could go either way. It was more of what the borough was saying, which are giving their ideas or comments, but going against the professionals. So, I still think we're missing out on um some parking there on the front means especially it is going to be the academic quarter.
I think um you know, making some changes to the high school parking lot on 6th Street, I think it's premature.
Um I think uh that could be a cost savings um of not going that that direction.
Um but it's exciting that it's finally happened, long overdue. And again, you know, I know a lot of you just haven't been here for a um previous uh decisions, but we're basically doing this because it's been neglected for so long. We closed Tekonsha Valley, which lost 400 seats. We added on to Knight 200. We added on to QE 300. So, we're basically replacing Tekonsha Valley um um about 8 years later. We still don't like the middle school concept of uh 6th grade and 7th and 8th grade. So, again, we're making um uh up for lost time. The multi-purpose field, which I know is a sore subject in town, it's great to see it used for multi-purposes.
Um it's a shame that it seems like it's used more for outside the district than inside.
Um but that's a revenue thing. If we had had um um it was brought up about you doing a softball option on that field, uh which it was kind of seemed on the public side not um done much, but I'm glad to see we are um trying to rectify that, but it's softball now. What's going to be next?
Swimming, bowling, golf.
Um they um other thing. Other thing, uh superintendent, I believe uh we we probably have a good amount of applicants. Um, but I I think we also need to remember our internal candidates. Um, and and um, I don't know if Quakertown's ever hired an internal candidate for the top position, but I think it's time that we make that change. Um, but again, we we are um, we don't want to be backpedaling like we've been. We do want to make sure we make the right decisions that the community supports. And uh, um, >> Thank Thank you, Mr. Lyons.
>> So, >> Appreciate it.
>> Thanks. Yep.
>> So, Jason, I'm going to mention one thing. Don't Don't You don't have to go back to the podium.
The uh, the parking at the high school, you you bring you brought this up many times now.
>> Anyone else?
>> I was pivotal in that study when they were testing the parking. On an average day, we have 70 to 100 empty parking spots behind the high school. So, moving 35 parking spots to that front lot for the to the QE people is you know, it's actually saving. Like, we shouldn't be putting more blacktop in the borough than we need to.
So, that that that's the main reason for that.
>> Thank Thank you, Mr. Spear. Is there any other public comment?
I don't see any other interest. So, motion to adjourn?
>> So moved.
>> I move Motions from Rogers, second by Lyons.
All those in favor?
>> Aye.
>> Have a good night.
>> Good night all.
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