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Residents challenge New Oxford project spending and furniture allowances during Act 34 lead‑up
Summary
Public commenters criticized proposed New Oxford construction costs and an architect fee on furniture estimates, urging the board to reconsider spending and use reserves rather than paying percentage fees; the administration said reuse and oversight will limit actual furniture spending and that the Act 34 hearing is scheduled for Feb. 12.
Several community members used public comment during the Feb. 2 meeting to press the board on a planned New Oxford school construction project and on an item in the Act 34 materials that budgets a furniture line with an architect percentage.
Jamie Fitzpatrick of Brunswick Township said the project team (referencing architect Crabtree) was inflating inspection and furniture estimates and urged the district not to allocate unnecessary funds. "We're wasting a lot of money," Fitzpatrick said, calling for the board to consider using reserves rather than paying a percentage fee on furniture estimates. He also asked the board to reexamine the percentage Crabtree would receive on furniture costs.
Superintendent Dr. Perry and staff acknowledged the concern, saying the percentage used in projections is an industry standard and that the district plans to reuse much existing furniture to reduce actual spending. "We've already cut it coming out of the gate," a district speaker said, adding that a budgeted line item does not obligate immediate purchase.
Bruce Westbury (Conewago Valley) spoke later and challenged the timing and necessity of a $52 million New Oxford project given enrollment projections. He said he would hold board members accountable if student growth did not materialize and urged careful reconsideration of spending. The superintendent replied that facilities needs and rising special‑education populations — not enrollment alone — are driving the projects.
Board members agreed to add follow‑up discussion about the furniture and architect percentage to a future agenda but cautioned that changing Act 34 submission materials now could delay the 30‑day notification process required in state procedure. The district reiterated the Act 34 hearing date: Feb. 12, 6 p.m. at New Oxford Elementary cafeteria.
Votes at a glance: the board approved Ways & Means item number 1 by roll call during the study session (unanimous votes recorded).
