Rallies planned tonight and Friday as district adjusts meeting format following Feb. 20 protest
Quakertown Community School District officials announced Wednesday evening that public comment will be moved to the beginning of Thursday night’s regularly scheduled school board meeting, citing expectations that an increased number of residents may wish to speak following last week’s student protest and arrests.
In a 6 p.m. message to families and staff, Assistant Superintendent Dr. Lisa Hoffman said the 7 p.m. meeting at district offices, 100 Commerce Drive, will begin with public comment.
“The Board is moving the public comment period to the beginning of the meeting in anticipation that an increased number of residents may wish to speak this week,” Hoffman wrote. “The Board and administration are committed to listening to our school community, to gathering feedback, and to continuing to be as responsive as possible, while also focusing on providing the safest and most supportive school environment for our students and staff.”
The board also voted to move all non-essential agenda items to a special-called meeting on Tuesday, March 3, in order to allow more time for public input.
Hoffman emphasized that Thursday’s gathering remains a formal business meeting, not a town hall, and public comment will still be limited to three minutes under School Board Policy 903.
The format change comes as community attention remains fixed on the fallout from the Feb. 20 student walkout and subsequent confrontation with Quakertown Police that led to five juvenile arrests. Three students have since been released from detention, while two remained in custody as of earlier this week, according to court updates.
Students returning amid support services
Hoffman said district leaders have been focused on student well-being as classes resumed.
“I am very pleased to share that our high school students have overwhelmingly been positive as they have returned to school this week, coming together to support each other during this challenging time,” she wrote.
The district has made crisis counseling available through school counselors, school psychologists, Student Assistance Program counselors, and the Bucks County Intermediate Unit. Those services will remain available for students who need support.
“We appreciate the patience and understanding of our school community as we are doing all we can to focus on student welfare and wellness as our students have returned to class this week, amidst significant media attention,” Hoffman added.
Rallies planned tonight and Friday
Meanwhile, community activism surrounding the so-called “Quakertown 5” continues.
Upper Bucks United Indivisible has scheduled a peaceful gathering Thursday at 6 p.m. at the Quakertown Community School District Administration Building, 100 Commerce Drive, followed by attendance at the 7 p.m. school board meeting.
A separate “Rally for the Quakertown 5,” hosted by the Doylestown Action League, is planned for Friday at 4:30 p.m. at the corner of Court and Main streets in Doylestown Borough. Organizers say they will collect gift cards, donations, and letters of support for the families, as well as promote what they describe as First Amendment protections for student demonstrators.
As the district prepares for another crowded meeting, officials say their focus remains on listening to residents while maintaining stability in the schools.
“If you have questions or concerns, as always, please feel free to contact me directly,” Hoffman wrote.
