On August 12, the Upper Frederick Board of Supervisors hosted a discussion regarding preservation of the Schoolhouse located at 3211 Big Road. The discussion began with Vice-Chairman Lisa Fischer reading a statement followed immediately by public comment.

            Fischer stated that the board must make spending decisions based on the township's limited financial resources, weighing the township's needs and wants against what has the best impact for all residents. "We did exactly that in the decision on the home at 3211 Big Road."

            She acknowledged the property's sentimental value but said extensive renovations had eliminated its historical significance. The bell tower and original windows were removed. Window openings were altered and modern windows were installed. The roof, rafters and floors were replaced with modern lumber. Extensive modifications were made inside the building to convert it from a schoolhouse to a private residence.

            She stated that the board has consulted with multiple historians who confirmed there was no historical value in the home. The original intent of the purchase of the property was the creation of a recreational resource or a new meeting room. The current board intends to create a recreational resource for all members of the township.

             Fischer then invited Robert Wood, a local historian and former English teacher, to discuss the building. Wood described a similar project in New Hanover Township, where he led the efforts to renovate a schoolhouse in 2005. He said the three-year project was "fun and interesting." Following extensive research, the building was restored to resemble a one-room schoolhouse. The building was dedicated in 2005 and initially used as a field trip destination for local students, but over time, interest in the building faded, and it is now largely unused.

            Wood stated that the Henry Antes House and Hans Neuss House, both on Colonial Road, have significant historical value and are worthy of preservation, whereas "one-room schoolhouses are a dime a dozen". Upper Frederick had between eight and ten schoolhouses, many of which are still standing but have been converted to other uses. Fischer then opened the floor for public comments but stated that the board could not address them due to pending litigation.

            Brian Geverd stated that Wood's words resonated with him because he had intended to renovate his historically significant private residence but found it cost-prohibitive to do so.

            Gail Buckman thanked residents in attendance for supporting the renovation and gave a brief history of the building. Buckman stated, "For many years the township documents have recognized the 'church school' as something worth preserving."

            She then listed township documentation supporting her argument, including the 2008 Comprehensive Plan, 2015 Recreation Parks and Open Space Plan, 2020 Comprehensive Plan, and the 1975 Upper Frederick Township's Bicentennial Committee's Compendium, all of which recommend acquisition of the property and/or identify it as a historic resource.

            Buckman discussed previous actions taken by the township to preserve the building, including hiring architects, performing a structural analysis, and receiving a $100,000 state grant for its restoration. She questioned why the current board does not consider the school as worthy of preservation and is instead seeking to demolish it. Buckman requested that the board meet with concerned residents to discuss four options they have developed to preserve the building, "none of which will really cost very much money."

            Byron Phillips stated that he would rather see taxpayers' money be invested in preserving the Hans Neuss House versus a building that is not considered historical.

            Deneen Rhoads-Kratz agreed with Phillips and responded to Buckman, saying that the building's inclusion as a historic property in the compendium does not make it historically significant, particularly because it is not listed on any historical registry.

            Kevin Murray stated that the township does not own the Hans Neuss House but does own the schoolhouse.

            Buck Reed stated that the township has an agreement with Blantyre developer Tim Hendricks to acquire the Hans Neuss House. He went on to say that the comprehensive plan is not legally binding regarding the preservation of the schoolhouse. He expressed concerns about potential plans to move the schoolhouse to a private residence, stating that because township taxpayers own the property, it would need to be put up for bid before being moved.