The Quakertown Community School board met last Thursday, May 23rd, to discuss various items concerning the district. An update on the multipurpose athletic field and a lengthy discussion on "The Leader in Me" program were on the agenda.

            Jaimie Lynch, an engineer from D'Huy Engineering, was present to bring the board and administration up to date on the completion of the field. "A project that was a long time in the making," he said.

           The budget was set for $5.9 million, however, the total cost was just over $6 million. This is because of the press box, scoreboard, and the sewer ejector pump from the concession stand. Lynch claimed that, despite exceeding the allotted amount, the project is a "success from a budget standpoint".

            Technically, the athletic field is complete, but more work is still required. To protect pedestrians, motorists and neighbors, the erection of additional netting is in discussion. 

            The possible addition of 40-foot backstop netting is an option. This is the standard height that is typically utilized to catch balls. The netting would begin at the first base line.

            Another suggestion would be the addition of 50-foot netting starting at first base to the visiting team's dugout. D'Huy Engineering suggested 60-foot of netting behind a 50-foot net to catch balls. In addition, the placement of new poles are required for the additional netting. At this point, the new poles would take 10 weeks to be delivered because they are made to order.

            "Why wasn't this anticipated before we built it?" asked board member Brian Reimers.

            Jaimie Lynch stated that due to the location of streets, it was not known how many baseballs would be hit out of the field. Engineers will work on mitigating the issue.

            Other things to consider are zoning and building height allowances in the borough as well as the variances for structure heights.

            Because footing is required with newly placed poles, Lynch will get back to the board with quotes. He will also research what is allowed in the borough and provide information to the board and administration soon. 

            After a prolonged discussion a motion was passed to encourage the administration to maintain the Leader in Me program at Richland Elementary for one additional year.

            A decision on The Leader in Me program had been tabled at the April 25th meeting.

            Administration would like to eliminate the program and stated that, regardless of the vote, the framework will be kept, but the affiliation will be different.

            Sixteen individuals gave their support for the program during public comment at Thursday's meeting. Three of those speakers were students who have benefited greatly from the program.

             Member Ron Jackson said, "If we can afford $6 million on an athletic field, then we can spend $10,000 on this program."

            Jackson also stated that he would vote against spending money on any program that did not have substantial benefits. "Parents, students and teachers have invested themselves into this program," he said.

            "We are telling the administration what to do. I want to let the program continue for at least a year … It deserves a conversation about this… I would like the administration to consider what we can measure about this," said board member Jon Kern.

            "I am conflicted about this," said David O'Donnell. 

            He continued, "Given the support of this program and the disruption that this could cause … we should listen to the feedback and consider continuing for at least a year … I see no logical reason to discontinue this program."

            A motion was made to direct the administration to maintain the Leader in Me program at the Richland Elementary school for one year.  The motion failed by a six to three vote.  An amendment was added to the motion to encourage, rather than direct, the administration to maintain the Leader in Me program at Richland Elementary School for one year.

            The amended motion passed by a vote of five to four.