The Boyertown Area School District reviewed a yearlong feasibility study on Jan. 13 to modernize the Middle School East planetarium into a multipurpose “Learning Dome” for STEM, arts and community programs.

Assistant Superintendent Mr. Stowell summarized facility condition photos and two technical options for projection systems: a higher‑end Option 1 and a lower‑cost Option 2. Capital estimates discussed in the presentation listed Option 1 at roughly $467,635 and Option 2 at $379,500; the administration also identified one‑time facility work (demo, asbestos encapsulation and painting) and infrastructure upgrades (power, conduit, ethernet and new LED cove lighting) that together contributed to a first‑year capital estimate. recurring annual operating costs including a full‑time facilitator, transportation and a maintenance agreement were projected at about $112,500 per year.

Representatives of the Foundation for Boyertown Education told the board the foundation would commit $250,000 overall but asked the district to accept that commitment as $50,000 a year for five years as one funding option. Stellar Dream, a newly formed nonprofit partner, indicated an initial commitment of approximately $100,000 (terms to be determined) and said it would run after‑school and community programming to sustain public access. Foundation representatives also requested consideration of naming recognition tied to their support; board members said they will review legal and policy implications.

Board members and staff asked substantive operational questions: how many student visits could be accommodated daily, transportation logistics and cost (the administration used an illustrative figure of two round trips per day at about $70/day), software and licensing upgrade cycles (projectors and software typically updated on a 10–12 year cadence), and whether the district could repurpose the space for other immersive technologies. Several trustees expressed concern over the district’s recurring obligation (the proposed $112,500 annually) and asked for clearer curriculum plans and use cases before committing to capital spending.

A long‑time planetarium operator who ran the facility for decades told the board that modern projection systems produce immersive, high‑definition experiences and that the Learning Dome could support multiple curricular areas beyond astronomy. Administration recommended further community engagement and contractor cost confirmation, and asked the board to consider the item for a formal vote at the Jan. 27 legislative meeting.