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Foundation pitches $125,000 Anatomage table; board signals willingness to supplement if needed
Summary
The Perkiomen Valley Education Foundation proposed raising $125,000 for an Anatomage virtual anatomy table (table, tablets, warranty). The foundation said it can commit about $80,000 and asked whether the district would consider topping up with capital reserves or sponsorship; the board expressed unanimous support to pursue financing options while the foundation continues fundraising.
The Perkiomen Valley Education Foundation presented a fundraising plan and use case for an Anatomage virtual dissection table that the foundation says would cost roughly $125,000 including tablets and a lifetime warranty.
Ally Peterson, a foundation board member, described use cases across anatomy and physiology, AP biology, forensic science and allied health courses. She said the foundation has earmarked $40,000 of annual EITC funds from Univest and additional fundraising proceeds, and that the foundation believes it can commit approximately $80,000 toward the total cost. "We have, already earmarked as a board ... $40,000 towards this endeavor," she said, and added the foundation would continue targeted fundraising to reach the $125,000 goal.
Dr. Fitz Henry, the high‑school teacher who would use the table, outlined classroom applications and argued the table could reduce recurring cadaver/cat dissection costs (cited at roughly $5,000 a year) and provide digital anatomy resources and iPad access for students across the room. "Kids love it," Dr. Fitz Henry said. "I think it'll be more transferable knowledge into post secondary school." He described broad curricular uses — anatomy, zoology, forensic science, art (figure drawing) and health education.
Business office staff presented financing options: a capital project expenditure using reserves, a lease or loan, and donation/sponsorship structures that would avoid general‑fund impact. The business office noted capital reserves and COVID reserve funds could be considered and emphasized any district contribution should not increase the general‑fund tax impact. Board members expressed broad support for pursuing the purchase and asked administration to provide options to cover any gap if foundation fundraising falls short.
The board did not vote on an appropriation at the meeting; foundation leaders asked the board for a consensus about willingness to supplement with district resources if necessary and said they prefer to fundraise fully but wanted to know district receptivity. The chair said the board expressed unanimous support in principle and the administration will follow up on financing scenarios.
