At last Thursday's meeting of the Quakertown Community School Board, concerns were raised about a kitchen repurposing project at the Upper Bucks County Technical School.

            Member Charles Shermer was upset that money for the project was apparently not in the budget.

            "There is a very open and transparent way to let the public know that we are going to spend their money and how we are going to do it," said Sherman.

"The $704,000 did not appear in this approved budget or last year's budget."

            The project will expand the capabilities of the culinary program and allow an onsite restaurant to be open routinely because it will not need to be utilized as classroom space. It would also allow the remaining cafeteria spaces to be utilized for classrooms or future programs.

            Shermer stated the importance of delivering straightforward information when it comes to projects, the budget and the utilization of money from taxpayers.

            "That is our constituents', taxpayers' money, and they deserve to understand how we are spending it and why we are approving it. That did not happen".

            The tech school does not levy or collect taxes. That is the responsibility of the district. Shermer stated that it is imperative that the tech school not go forward with any other capital projects without the approval of the district.

Member Chris Spear countered that the articles of agreement as written are sufficient and the transparency is there regarding the project.

            Shermer stated that if another capital project moves forward in this way again, legal advice may be needed to mitigate the issue.

            As one of 12 collective owners of 280 Red Cedar Drive and 302 Red Cedar Drive, the board authorized the Bucks County Intermediate Unit to act on its behalf to carry out a contract with Plymouth Environmental Co., Inc., to demolish all three structures located on the properties.

            The total cost for the demolition and consulting services of The Shrader Group is estimated to be $272,630. t Quakertown Community School District is responsible for approximately $22,719.17. 

            The board understands that the Bucks IU will invoice the school district for its share of the actual costs of the demolition.

            A motion was approved authorizing the district's participation in the Social Media Class Action lawsuit, known as the Salt Lake City School District vs. Facebook. The action from the board authorized the board president and/or the district superintendent to execute any and all documents related to the lawsuit.            

            Under the facilities agenda report, the board approved the American Red Cross facility use agreement.

            Every four years, the American Red Cross re-surveys the schools that would be designated by the Bucks County Emergency Management Agency as evacuation shelters in the event of a catastrophic disaster. The Red Cross would like to coordinate with the district in order to re-survey the Quakertown Community High School and enter into a facility use agreement.