The Facilities Committee gave a thorough presentation of the process they used to select an architectural firm to design the new Fountain Hill ES at the Oct. 9 school board meeting. Starting in August, the board sent requests for proposals (RFPs) to seven architectural firms. The RFP provided very specific information regarding each firm’s level of experience, fee proposal, and a concept design.

Three of six responding firms were shortlisted; Alloy 5 Architecture, Breslin Architects, and KCBA Architects. Alloy 5 Architecture won the bid.

Other facilities business included awarding Events Staging to replace the sound system at Liberty HS, and a review of the agreement between BASD and the Lehigh Valley Charter HS to provide emergency evacuation buses on a reimbursement basis.

The Curriculum Committee discussed three different grant applications; the Power of Families Grant Challenge, The PHEAA Pa Helps Grant and the Wind Creek Grant for Donegan ES grant. The Power of Families Grant Challenge is a one time grant offered through the Parents As Teachers Program. The PHEAA Pa. is a grant designed to encourage students to participate in college internships in the field of mental health/school counseling. This is part of the Pa. Helps program. Lastly, The Wind Creek Grant for Donegan would support after-school programs, family events and “Leader in Me” initiatives.

Action steps and strategic objectives for both Liberty and Freedom students were reviewed and discussed before the board. The goal is to increase BASD students’ college and career readiness.

The next regular school board meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. Oct. 23.