News from the Nest: Fall Board of School Directors News

Posted Date: 10/22/25 (2:14 PM)

The Exeter Township Board of School Directors discussed or approved the following items during recent meetings. To review the agendas from these meetings, please visit our website at https://exetersd.org/board and click on "Meetings and Agendas." Videos from these meetings can also be found on the district's YouTube channel.

Turf Field Feasibility Study

Last night, the Board approved moving forward with a free feasibility study to explore whether converting one of the district’s grass fields to turf would be in the district’s best interest.

During the discussion on October 7th, Business Administrator Mr. Brian Feick explained that the district often receives requests to rent turf fields but can’t accommodate them due to the high demand at the stadium, which currently offers the only turf field in the district. The study will help determine whether adding another turf field—and allowing limited rentals by outside groups—could make such a project self-sustaining, with rental fees covering maintenance, repairs and eventual turf replacement.

Mr. Feick emphasized that approving the study does not mean the district is proceeding with a turf conversion or planning to fund one. “We can’t afford it,” he said, “but it would be nice to have it.” He also noted that student-athletes would always have scheduling priority, with rentals occurring only when the field is not in use by students.

The feasibility study will outline possible options for the district, including which field would be best suited for turf, as well as related needs such as spectator seating, stormwater management, fencing, and lighting (if desired). It will also provide cost estimates so the district can better understand the financial requirements if a donation or long-term rental partnership becomes available. “There’s a lot of people out there who are willing to donate to athletics,” said Mr. Feick. Additionally, Board member Mr. Travis Odom noted during the voting meeting last night that field rentals provide one of the only non-tax revenue sources for the district, often providing funds above what's needed for repairs, maintenance and replacement. "Outside of tax revenue, what other organizations put funds back into the general fund?" he asked.

The study will be conducted by Tarkett Sports Construction.

New Assistant Principals Hired

In September, the Board approved the hire of two new Assistant Principals: Dr. Brooke Burgy at the Junior High and Ms. Kaitlin Spangler at Reiffton. Ms. Spangler began work at Reiffton on Monday, and Dr. Burgy is expected to join the JHS in November. Welcome Dr. Burgy and Ms. Spangler!

A woman with long dark hair smiles at the camera.

Dr. Brooke Burgy, Junior High

Dr. Brooke Burgy is in her 19th year as an educator and has loved every step of the journey. She spent many years teaching eleventh-grade English at Pennridge High School in Bucks County and also had the joy of teaching sixth-grade ELA before moving into her last role as an instructional coach in the Upper Perkiomen School District.

Brooke earned her undergraduate degree in Secondary Education and English from Temple University, her master’s in Curriculum and Instruction from Wilkes University, and most recently, her principal certification and doctorate in education from Gwynedd-Mercy University. Her doctoral research focused on how schools can best support all learners, especially students affected by trauma.

Brooke lives in Pennsburg with her husband, who is also an educator, their six children (ages 12 to 24), and their two dogs.

Brooke is excited to begin a new chapter at Exeter Township Junior High School, and she looks forward to joining our school community mid-November. Brooke explained, "From the moment I connected with Exeter, I could feel the pride and care that come from being part of such a close-knit and welcoming community. I’m thrilled to join the team and can’t wait to get started!”

A woman with dark hair smiles, wearing a football jersey and necklace.

Ms. Kaitlin Spangler, Reiffton

For the past thirteen years, Ms. Kaitlin Spangler has served in a variety of roles at Collegium Charter School. She started at Collegium as a middle and high school special education teacher moving into the role as an Intervention Specialist. Most recently, she worked as the MTSS Specialist and 504 Coordinator for 5th through 8th grade. Her career began at the Coatesville Area School District teaching middle school Language Arts. Her experience at both Coatesville and Collegium have provided many opportunities to learn and grow as both an educator and person.

Kaitlin earned her undergraduate degree in Elementary and Special Education from Bloomsburg University, completed her master’s degree in Educational Leadership and earned her principal certification at Immaculata University. She brings enthusiasm, dedication, and a love for learning that has shaped her career. "I strongly believe that every student should feel welcomed and safe when they come to school to be their authentic self while being provided valuable learning experiences every day" she said.

"I am beyond excited to join the Exeter family! When I walked into Reiffton, I was immediately greeted with smiling faces and a sense of warmth that I just knew I found my new home away from home. The amount of gratitude I feel to be provided this opportunity to work with the students, staff, families, and community of Exeter truly can not be described."

Kaitlin began work at Reiffton this week. She lives in Pottstown and loves spending quality time with her family, especially her nephews. She is a true Philadelphia sports fan, especially the Eagles. Go Birds! You can often find her in Philly sports gear when not at school.

Aerial view of a building with a parking lot and solar panels in a field.

Solar Farm Approved for Construction at Owatin Creek

In August, following three years of discussion and review of proposals, the Board approved an agreement with Trane to install a solar farm at Owatin Creek. The project is expected to save Exeter taxpayers more than $10 million over the next 30 years while generating approximately 40% of the district’s electricity for seven buildings and its transportation garage. The district received almost $2 million in grants and rebates to cover the construction of the $3.9 million farm. Business Administrator Brian Feick said that, based on today's rates, the savings generated by the solar farm will pay for itself within 5-7 years.

Construction of the farm will begin in the spring of 2026 with an expected completion date in the summer.

The next Board of School Directors meeting will be Monday, November 3rd at 6PM at the Exeter Township Lausch Administration Building. All are welcome to attend. To find a calendar of upcoming Board meetings, please visit our website.