At its Jan. 9 meeting the Quakertown Community School District Facilities Committee reviewed a proposed five-year capital plan and prioritized masonry repairs at Poff, Strayer and the 6th Grade Center, a district-wide clock and intercom replacement, and other site and security work.

Robert Steen said masonry at Poff, Strayer and the 6th Grade Center has deteriorated from moisture and freeze-thaw cycles and that repairs are the largest single project in his current capital list: "this year, we're looking to get caught up with some masonry repairs." Steen also described a proposal to replace the district's original clock/intercom systems (all schools except Nighting) with a new centralized head-end and software that would let staff manage clocks and bell schedules remotely. A committee member noted an estimated price of about $375,000 for the intercom/clock work and urged staff to consider prioritizing roofs and other structural projects as well.

Other items in the capital list included a roughly $50,000 replacement of several hundred feet of chain-link fence at Tremorsville Elementary (proposed to be replaced with split-rail with wire mesh behind it for ball containment), replacement of failing lower-gym doors at the high school and installation of electronic access on doors, and coordination of speakers/systems for a possible Quakertown Elementary renovation.

The committee also discussed an athletics-related field project to move throwing events and the discus. Robert Steen and Dr. Freeman said they had obtained multiple quotes and would meet with coaches to consider alternative layouts that could reduce costs; previously approved amounts for parts of the project included figures in the $170,000–$175,000 range, and some vendor quotes approached $347,000. Committee members emphasized verifying CoStars procurement quotes and getting updated drawings and plans before approving contracts; one board member said "trust but verify" when CoStars quotes exceed other bids.

On vehicles, Steen reported the district has a 2009 F-250 with a V-plow valued approximately at $8,000. Steen said legal counsel told staff they can donate the vehicle to a partner agency (VOTEC) and that staff will present the donation for board approval.

The committee received updates on a larger stadium/ballpark renovation process: staff said they have engaged Schrader for preliminary drawings and PFM for borrowing/financing modeling, and they intend to schedule a public working meeting with PFM, Dewey and Schrader to present options and answer questions. The committee discussed holding multiple public sessions (including a Wednesday evening and a Saturday morning) and streaming/recording them. Staff proposed Feb. 5 for a special meeting with PFM and design consultants and said they would distribute materials to the board and public at least a week before the meeting.

The Facilities Committee approved the Nov. 11, 2024 minutes by voice vote. Committee members present included Mister Speer, Mister Hippoff, Mister O'Donnell, Mister Reimers, Robert Steen and Dr. Freeman.

What's next: staff will return with updated vendor proposals, clarified subscription/support terms for the intercom system, updated drawings and financing scenarios; the committee intends to present options to the public at a special meeting in early February when consultant and financial analyses are available.