The Boyertown Area School District Board of School Directors approved a contract with the Pennsylvania Economy League (PEL) to conduct a demographics, community growth and enrollment projection study for the district at an adjusted cost of $30,000.

Administration presented two vendors that had met the scope of services requested and interviewed them; the administration recommended PEL. Board members raised concerns about the quality of PEL’s earlier presentation and asked whether the vendor could return with a clearer demonstration of what would be delivered. An administration official said reference checks supported PEL’s capacity to complete the work to the district’s satisfaction.

The board then proceeded to a separate vote on Steps to Achieve, the other interviewed vendor. The motion to contract with Steps to Achieve for a $24,950 study failed on a separate roll call vote; several board members said they wanted Steps to Achieve to return with a stronger presentation before considering that vendor.

Ultimately the board approved the Pennsylvania Economy League contract by roll call, authorizing the study to proceed under the terms presented. Board members and administration said that if future dissatisfaction arises, the district could reissue the request for proposals or revisit other bidders from the original pool.