Board approves water system agreement; hears PFAS filtration proposal and several facilities items
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Summary
The board approved a Suburban Water Technologies agreement for Kilwertsville Elementary, reviewed PFAS detection at Gilbertsville Elementary with a recommendation to install resin filtration (installation ~1 week, permitting 4–6 months), and discussed auditorium rigging upgrades, an IU lease renewal and a state facility grant application up to $5,000,000 (25% match).
The Boyertown Area School District board approved an administration recommendation to enter into a Suburban Water Technologies water system agreement for Kilwertsville Elementary. Administration said the procurement will allow on‑site filtration and bottle‑filler work and that separate purchase orders would be issued for professional services and equipment so the district can move quickly.
Facilities staff reported PFAS detection at Gilbertsville Elementary and recommended installing resin filtration systems to reduce detected levels; staff said the physical installation could be completed "inside of a week" but DEP permitting could take 4–6 months. Administrators also discussed installing on‑site filtration at several bottle fillers and minor fountain work (estimated under $5,000 for those components).
Other facilities items included a recommended auditorium rigging safety upgrade (roping systems, locks and stage infrastructure) to be completed over the summer, and a proposed alternative transportation services agreement (subsidiary of First Student) to streamline out‑of‑district runs and McKinney‑Vento transport coordination with neighboring districts.
Finance staff noted a required Berks County Intermediate Unit budget increase of 3% and a lease renewal with the IU for costume storage at Washington Elementary for about $6,300 annually; staff cautioned that space arrangements may be affected if the board pursues all‑day kindergarten options. Administration also said it would apply for a state facility improvement grant (the presentation referenced a maximum grant figure of $5,000,000 and a 25% local match) for scheduled HVAC/roof work.
Next steps: the board authorized administration to proceed with purchase orders and permitting steps for filtration work and to seek board approval at the legislative meeting for identified procurement items; administrators will return with permitting and contract details as those processes proceed.