Board hires architect for new school study
PHOENIXVILLE » The Phoenixville Area School Board pressed ahead Monday night with laying the groundwork for constructing a new elementary school.
The board hired Schrader Architects to undertake two projects for a total cost of $33,780.
The firm will conduct a feasibility study for construction of a new school at a cost of $19,512.
Board members Lori Broker, Ayisha Serno and David Golberg voted against the motion.
The feasibility study is likely a prelude to the construction of a new school on 29.5 acres at the intersection of Hares Hill Road and Route 724 in East Pikeland.
In November, the board voted to purchase the property for $3.5 million.
Eight years ago, the district’s attempt to expand the existing East Pikeland Elementary School at 1191 Hares Hill Road was foiled by the township zoning board’s refusal to grant the necessary variances after 17 months of hearings.
The school was closed in 2018 and is now for sale.
In a related matter, the board also voted to hire the Bellwoar Kelly law firm for consultation on an as-needed basis for real estate matters.
Schrader has an extensive history with Phoenixville schools, having worked on 15 projects over the past 10 years, including, most recently, the $40.8 million early learning center/Manovon Elementary School that opened in 2017.
According to a timeline presented to school officials on February, the feasibility study is scheduled to be complete by the end of July.
In opposing the move, Sereni argued doing this work during a time of extreme economic uncertainty is a bad move. However, her motion to delay the vote by a month failed.
“There are so many uncertainties. We currently have 26 million people unemployed. I’m all for moving forward, how much difference would it make if we waited a month?” she asked.
The firm will also undertake a district-wide “service life extension” study of all district facilities for $14,268.
Again Sereni objected.
“I don’t have a problem with the firm, I have a problem with the timing of doing this now,” she said.
The coronavirus-driven closure of school buildings “has put more of a focus on online learning and we may view resources in a very different way” in a short time,” she said.
“This is exactly the time to do it,” said Superintendent Alan Fegley, noting that the buildings are empty now and it will be easier for the consultants to look around without disrupting classes.
Board member Christopher Caltagirone said whatever the future holds, “the buildings will
still need ongoing maintenance,” adding that the last time such a study was done was 2013.
Barkley Improvements
In a matter related to maintenance of those buildings, the board voted to hire Bonfitto Inc. to replace the boilers at Barkley Elementary School at a cost not to exceed $110,000.
Sereni and Broker abstained from voting after a motion to discuss the matter in executive session failed to gather enough votes.
Another improvement at Barkley, the replacement of the concrete apron around the school, will be undertaken by S.J. Thomas co. Inc. at a cost not to exceed $53,575, will occur as the result of another vote Monday.
5 New Administrators
The school board also voted on new administrators and promotions Monday night.
The most significant of these, in light of the investigation of actions by Chris Gerhris, the previous business manager, was the hiring of a new one.
The board voted to approve a four-year contract with Jeremy Melber at an annual salary of $165,000.
Melber, who starts July 1, is currently the director of business services for the Southern Lehigh School District,
where he has worked since 2011, according to his LinkedIn profile.
Prior to that, he served as business administrator for Northern Lehigh School District. Melber is a Penn State graduate and received his MBA from Kutztown University.
Another post filled was the promotion of Jessica Kilmetz, currently a curriculum supervisor with the district, to fill the vacant position of Director of Curriculum, a post she is to assume May 1. Her new salary will be $130,000.
Also on May 1, Rose Scioli will take on the position of assistant principal for scheduling at Phoenixville High School, replacing Khalid Sutton, who was promoted. Scioli will be paid an annual salary of $105,000, according to the meeting agenda.
After serving as the interim, Corinne Reutter was approved as assistant principal at Phoenixville High School effective May 1, at an annual salary of $95,000, replacing Darryl Perecko who resigned, according to the agenda listing.
Another promotion approved was for Donald Grinstead, head football coach, who was approved as director of student activities and athletics, a post he will take on July 1 at an annual salary of $90,000. He replaces Matt Gionta who resigned.