Just as Quakertown High School students were preparing for a Monday return to class, the school board took time Aug. 25 to discuss its disappoint in the general contractor tasked with the school's $72 million renovation.

Board member Stephen Ripper, who also chairs the facilities committee, explained that a recent board tour of the facility revealed a lot of work that had not yet been completed as promised.

"I don't think they've really addressed this construction properly," Ripper said of Skepton Construction, the general contractor overseeing the multi-year renovation. "They shouldn't have let this thing run this close to the deadline."

                "It was a disaster the first year, a little better last year," board member Charles Shermer added. "Close just doesn't count."

                Ripper added that he believes the company is not taking proper care to control air quality, noting that district maintenance and custodial staff have had to step in. "Our people are doing their work."

                The board asked Superintendent William Harner to create a report for the Sept. 8 meeting that breaks down what has been accomplished to date versus what was scheduled. The board will invite representatives from Skepton to the meeting to address the board's concerns.

                Reached Monday after the meeting, Robert Perose, president and COO of Skepton Construction, was surprised by the negative comments, indicating that no significant issues were raised during a final walk-through on Friday that included district personnel.

                Perose added that, while some timelines were adapted based upon the district's request for a $1 million addition to the original contract, everything was in place for the borough to issue an occupancy permit two weeks ago.

                "The kids are in class today and the kids are safe," Perose commented. "There are no issues that I am aware of and we have been working with the school district all along. I am not really sure where this is coming from."

                In other business, the board approved an expenditure of no more than $36,000 to either repair or replace the boilers in Haycock Elementary. While not serving as an elementary school for the district, Haycock is currently home to the WOW Program, an independent living program for Bucks County life skills students. The program is facilitated by the Bucks County Intermediate Unit, which subleases the vacated building.

                President Paul Stepanoff added that the board will be discussing long-term plans for Haycock over the next year but that they will do so with consideration of the WOW Program.

"We have a commitment to the WOW Program," Stepanoff said. "We will find a way to continue that partnership."

                During the public comment period, district parent David Fox asked the board to reevaluate a recent rule that only allows high school foreign language teachers to chaperone the foreign language student trips abroad. According to Fox, the rule, instituted by Harner, is a change that prevents volunteer teachers from other schools in the district from attending. Fox noted that the money paid for the trip is non-refundable and several parents will be attending the Sept. 8 meeting to ensure the trip can go on as planned.

                Harner explained that the policy was put in place to ensure that students in the elementary and middle schools receive continuous instruction from their teachers, who would require substitutes during the trip. While Fox said he understood, he felt the decision should not have been made for the trip this year, which has already been planned and paid for.

                "Grandfather us in," Fox requested.

                The board asked Harner to prepare for a conversation with concerned parents during the Sept. 8 meeting.

                Finally, Stepanoff asked Harner to explore the possibility of creating a 10m air rifle team in the district, as well as gauge student interest. Stepanoff indicated that this year's Olympic competition sparked his interest. According to Stepanoff, Virginia Thrasher, who won gold for Women's 10m Air Rifle, learned the sport in her high school.

                "I think it's worth looking into," Stepanoff said.