Building closures and $112 million plan to be considered

                With evidence of building deterioration, inadequate use of educational space, aging HVAC systems, and other cosmetic issues, the Quakertown school board is faced with a tough decision in the coming months.

                Several presenters spoke during last Thursday's school board meeting to bring light to a recent feasibility study conducted by the Schradergroup of Philadelphia. The architectural and engineering firm, along with a newly appointed community facilities committee, toured each district building noting any structural and superficial issues. Subsequently, a master plan was created driven by the needs of upgrading and renovating each site.

                According to David Schrader of the Schradergroup, $66 million is needed to renovate and upgrade the district's 14 buildings. The heaviest price tag being attached to Quakertown Elementary (QE) with $13.5 million required for renovation. The aging building was originally constructed in 1928 was last renovated in 1967.

                Additionally, Neidig and Tohickon Valley elementary schools, as well as Milford Middle School, are in very poor condition, said Schrader.

                Some buildings lack upgraded operational systems, have aged to the point of deterioration, or are just in need of 21st century components.

                Overall, according to Schrader, an important factor to consider is the inadequate use of space within these buildings, due to a decrease then a large increase in enrollment rates over the years. The district's six elementary schools are down seven classrooms overall based on student enrollment numbers, Schrader explained.

                The information obtained through the study, and the committee's deliberations, allowed for the development and review of options with the recommendation that best fits the needs of the district being presented.

                This recommendation comes with a hefty price tag of $112 million, but was not the least expensive or the highest option.

                Josh Sinsel, a community facilities committee member, spoke on behalf of the group.  "We created over 19 options for the board to consider. Option 20 was do nothing which is not a viable solution," Sinsel said. "We asked ourselves several key questions and recommend that a new elementary/middle school with shared core facilities be built at the property on West Pumping Station Road. Sell Tohickon Valley Elementary School and Milford Middle School. Sell or donate Haycock Elementary and maintain QE as a district-wide Kindergarten Center."  

                Sinsel went on to explain that the committee felt renovations to Milford and Tohickon Valley schools would be costly and difficult because of their limited building footprints.

                By constructing a new facility on West Pumping Station Road there would be no space or utility limitations. The new building would be shared between grades one through eight, but have separate spaces to instruct students in grades one through five and six through eight. Shared space would consist of an auditorium, cafeteria, and gymnasium.

                Haycock Elementary is currently safe but any renovation would be costly due to a great deal of asbestos. The size of the building is small, the property is limited and would not allow for expansion, explained committee member Sandi Frisch.

                She added that a population study looking specifically at student enrollment would not support the costs associated with having Haycock as an elementary school in the future. The property was originally donated to the school district which is a basis for the recommendation of the committee to donate it back to the township rather than sell.

                The presentation came back to Schrader, who said there is no start date for the plan as the board needs to talk it over and vote on moving forward. However, the recommendation represents a 10-year time span, essentially beginning when the construction at the high school is complete.

                Other key points in making such a decision must be addressed as well, Schrader pointed out. Such as funding capabilities and cost to taxpayers after a recent tax hike with the high school reconstruction project being extremely important.

                Jamie Doyle and Melissa Hughes of PFM Asset Management have been working on a potential bond issue to help with the 10-year plan.

                "This is a tremendous amount of information to absorb," said the district's assistant superintendent Nancianne Edwards.

                School board member Bob Smith remarked, "The numbers are mind boggling. It'll take some time for us to go through this."

                School board member Charles Shermer added, "To understand where you're going, you need to find out where you're at. This will affect the entire community."

                The consensus of the board is to have several meetings to further discuss the topic before making a decision on moving forward.

                Board president Paul Stepanoff suggested a special meeting targeting the plan by itself as well as meeting with the community facilities committee. Regardless of the outcome, changes are expected for the district in the near future.