On Thursday, September 26th, the Quakertown Community School Board met to discuss and vote on items impacting the district, but another important matter was brought to the attention of the board. Custodian John Weiss stated that the district is short three janitors.

            "There's no one even applying," Weiss said Thursday. "We really need some help. We figured we would come to the board…You guys make all the decisions."

            "The workers were promised a raise this year, but didn't get one," said Weiss. "We heard there is a budget decrease. Is that true?"

            Board President Todd Hippauf replied, "Yes ... We appreciate what you're asking. This is a comment that we are not supposed to have a back-and-forth. However, what I will say is that there has been discussion."

            Board member Brian Reimers stated that there is nothing the board can do at this time, but they appreciate the concerns Weiss brought to their attention. They want their schools cleaned and an increase in pay for the janitors would include a renegotiation of their contract with SSC Service Solutions Corporation. The district is under a two-year contract with SSC.

            In other news, under items for board action, the district is requesting approval to seek grant funding. The School Safety and Security Committee of the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency announced the availability of FY24-25 state funding to support physical security enhancements and behavioral health improvements,

            Under this program, schools only need to submit one application and a budget for their prospective improvements. These are noncompetitive funds and applications will be approved by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency.  Schools that meet the criteria of this solicitation for 24-month projects will have a start date of July 1, 2025, and an end date of June 30, 2026. Actual project dates may vary depending upon the timeliness of the application submitted, the length of the PCCD staff review, and the responsiveness of the applicant to inquiries by the committee.

            In addition to applying for the above grant, the board approved the acceptance of a grant award and anticipated project timeline for the Public Schools Environmental Repairs Program Grant.

            Under this program, the district is required to ensure a 50% cost match for the abatement, at an estimated cost of $400,000. Therefore, the district would be responsible for $200,000. After the state's funding reduction of 22% ($43,373) the total district estimated cost is $243,373. Anticipated project dates are between June 15, 2026-August 15, 2026.

            Both grant items were approved by board members unanimously.

            Another item for board action was the approval of the superintendent and assistant superintendents' goals for the 2024-2025 school year. The assistant superintendent will design and implement a comprehensive teacher evaluation system that will define instructional professionalism.

            According to the administration, establishing a professional learning community will enhance instructional quality and teacher performance as well as promote the professional growth of educators.