Board authorizes ad hoc committee to plan salvage ahead of Quakertown Elementary demolition, temporarily suspends disposal policy
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The board temporarily suspended Policy 7-11 for Quakertown Elementary to allow an ad hoc committee to develop a process and timeline for salvaging reusable items from the building; the committee must recommend contracts and timelines to the full board and cannot authorize contracts above school-code thresholds.
The Quakertown Community School District board voted to temporarily suspend Policy 7-11 as it relates to Quakertown Elementary to create an ad hoc committee charged with developing procedures, timelines and recommendations for salvaging items from the building prior to demolition. The resolution was framed as a narrow, time-limited step to allow the district to identify items of educational or historic value that could be repurposed or donated without needlessly delaying the demolition schedule.
Several trustees raised concerns about potential timeline impacts, hazardous-material (asbestos) handling and contract approvals; administration and counsel clarified that the ad hoc committee would make recommendations to the board and that any contracts or expenditures above statutory thresholds would require board approval in compliance with school code. The resolution includes language directing the ad hoc committee to consult the facilities team, project engineers, and district counsel to ensure compliance with remediation and safety requirements and to avoid schedule delays that could increase project costs.
Board members stressed that the ad hoc committee’s work is advisory and that the board will retain final authority over procurement and contract awards. The motion passed after discussion with an 8–1 recorded vote. Administration said it will present proposed salvage procedures and a timeline that coordinates with the scheduled abatement and demolition work and will seek board approval for any contracts the committee recommends.
