Board approves New Hanover/Upper Frederick elementary roofing restoration project

The Boyertown Area School District Board of Directors authorized a roofing restoration project for New Hanover/Upper Frederick Elementary schools, administration said the work focuses on spray-foam areas and is scheduled to minimize student disruption.

Administration presented an estimated project cost of about $1.7 million to restore spray-foam roof areas and a timeline split into phased work to avoid classroom disruption. The schedule calls for scarification and spray-foam work in July and August to be completed by the first day of school, followed by non-disruptive work from August to October and final work in May through June, pending weather. "The extended timeline has been developed to minimize student disruption," administration said. The project manager said they expect the project to be completed by June 2026.

Board members asked why metal roofs are not more frequently used on district buildings and whether cost or expansion/contraction issues drive decisions. Administration said it would investigate the cost differential and consult facilities staff. A board member who had experience with a large metal roof cited expansion and contraction problems causing leaks on a large roof project.

The motion to approve the roofing project passed by roll call; administration said the schedule is designed so work that could disrupt traffic patterns or learning spaces is completed outside of the school day where possible.