The Quakertown Community School District Board of Directors on April 1 approved concept drawings from the Schrader Group for the proposed Quakertown Elementary School project and discussed running site‑development work in parallel to the design process.

Board President Hippoff opened the agenda item by calling for a motion to approve the Schrader Group proposal for concept designs for the new Quakertown Elementary School; the motion passed after discussion. Doctor Freeman reported he had spoken with Mr. Schrader and that “he was willing to do both drawings for the same price as 1,” meaning renderings showing the new building in two siting scenarios (with the existing building retained and with the existing structure removed).

Why it matters: Board members and residents asked that the district not delay site work while concept designs are generated. Board member Mister Jackson urged the district to engage Dewey (the district’s engineering consultant) to begin land‑development work “at the same time these concept drawings are being drawn up,” saying site readiness and land development include steps independent of the architectural concept and will shorten the overall timeline.

Discussion and votes: Several board members emphasized the need for additional cost detail once concepts are narrowed. Mister Kern and others asked Schrader/CHA to itemize add‑on costs that would apply if construction occurred while students remained in the existing building (for example, temporary fencing or phasing costs). Board member Mister Lyons noted the district still needed to define a timeline and suggested the facilities committee ask CHA and Schrader for a clearer schedule. The motion to approve concept drawings carried (roll call recorded; two members opposed).

Public comment: During the public‑comment period resident Alia Ritter urged the board to consider renovating Quakertown Elementary and to re‑examine existing private pre‑K contracts that, she said, occupy classroom space that could otherwise be used. Ritter also pointed to district enrollment figures and argued the long‑term need for added permanent classroom space had not been demonstrated by a steady enrollment increase.

What’s next: District officials said the facilities committee will follow up with CHA and Schrader about timeline, phasing and a request to Dewey to begin land‑development preparatory work. The board directed staff to bring draft schedules and cost‑differential estimates back to committee for review before full design decisions are finalized.

Ending: The approvals move the district into the next phase of planning for Quakertown Elementary; board members asked for clearer cost comparisons (building with students in place vs. building after demolition) and for the facilities committee to report progress at future meetings.