The Quakertown Community School Board held its first meeting before the start of the school year last Thursday evening. It was also the first meeting that included the newly hired Superintendent Dr. Matthew Friedman.

            During the superintendent's report, Friedman informed the public that a second board retreat is scheduled for the Saturday following the board meeting to discuss the process of developing a plan for superintendent goals. The precursor to formulating superintendent goals is to solidify Friedman's entry plan into the district.

            "I am very honored and humbled to be superintendent … thank you very much," said Friedman.

            Under the facilities consent agenda, an update on the multipurpose athletic field was provided. "The multi-use field is on schedule," said board member Charles Shermer.

            The parent drop-off loop, curb and sidewalk are complete. The paving will be completed this week and electrical vaults have been installed. The goal is to have the new service cable installed before the start of school. The turf and lights are scheduled to be delivered by September 28th. In addition, the concession stand and dugouts are scheduled for delivery at the end of November.

            The board unanimously voted to accept the agreement with Grace Industries for repairs to the synthetic turf stone base at Alumni Field.

            In July, Alumni Field sustained water damage to the turf due to heavy rainfall. After meeting with several contractors and conducting a structural evaluation, it has been determined that the field's stone base has been displaced. However, the existing turf is in good shape and is expected to last another 8 to 10 years.

            On August 4th administrators met with the school board president and vice president and received direction to move forward with the $19,155.00 repair. The restoration is expected to be completed before September 1st.

             The board also voted to approve a proposal with Laura Bishop Communications (LBC) for communication services for 2023-2024. The administration recommended this service due to the retirement of Communications Director Gary Weckselblatt,

            Friedman has worked with LBC in another district.

            "We are taking this outside-the-box approach which will help us immensely with communication, transparency, and consistency across the district," Friedman stated.

            LBC will provide services based on the scope of work outlined in the communications proposal dated July 1, 2023. Fees will be billed as a monthly retainer of $6,250 with an annual budget of $75,000, prorated to $68,750 for a contract term, August 15 through June 30, 2024.