Category: Academic
SCHRADERGROUP Welcomes 2023!
SCHRADERGROUP (SG) welcomes the new year by being grateful and thanking all of our clients, colleagues, community, friends, and family for their ongoing support. We would not be SCHRADERGROUP without all of you. In the spirit of welcoming the new year, we also would like to reflect on some of SG’s highlights in 2022.

- Franklin County, NC broke ground for its new Emergency 9-1-1 Communications Center (click to see the original post.) The new Emergency Communications Center will provide the County with the facility necessary to fulfill its Emergency Communications needs. The facility’s completion is anticipated for March 2023.
- Governor Mifflin School District (GMSD) broke ground for its new Athletic Community Center (click to see the original post.) SG is excited to start the construction of GMSD’s new Athletic Community Center which is slated to be completed in the summer of 2023. The Community Center will provide a central community anchor for the School District’s athletic programs and events while allowing the existing secondary schools more room for their current academic programs and students.
- Great Valley School District’s (GVSD) new 5/6 Center conducted its groundbreaking (click to see the original post.) SG was excited to celebrate the start of construction for GVSD’s newest educational facility which will accommodate 900 students in grades 5-6. The new 5/6 Center is anticipated to open in the fall of 2024.
- The Community College of Philadelphia (CCP) held its new Career and Advanced Technology Center’s ribbon cutting (click to see the original post.) What an impressive facility that will provide automotive technologies, healthcare technical training, and general technologies and building trade opportunities to boost the local community and workforce. You can read more about CCP’s new Career and Technology Center (click here.)
- North Penn School District’s (NPSD) Knapp Elementary school held its ribbon-cutting ceremony. This addition and renovations project transformed the 1950’s facility into a next-generation school. The central core of the school was reconfigured to pull the dining commons directly across from the main entrance lobby and the roof structure was raised to introduce natural light into the space through clerestory windows. The library/resource center was relocated adjacent to the dining commons with a folding partition that can open to a Large Group Instruction (LGI) area. Additions include a new classroom wing. Find out more about Knapp Elementary School (click here.)

- SG partnered with previous clients and consultants to bring a special panel to Pennsylvania’s Association of School Board Officials (PASBO) 67th Annual Conference (click to see the original post.) After the previous year’s virtual conference, the SG team was excited to exhibit and present in person at PASBO’s 67th Annual Conference. The SG team chaired a panel to speak on the topic of future school safety, security, HVAC, and virus mitigation.
- SG and Upper Merion Area School District’s (UMASD) Administration spoke about the new Upper Merion Area High School at the Association for Learning Environments (A4LE) Southeastern Region’s Annual Conference (click to see the original post.) SG’s Managing Partner, David Schrader, and UMASD’s Superintendent, Dr. John Toleno, engaged in a session that used the new Upper Merion Area High School as a case study for how; design supports 21st Century Learning, reflects current business models, and provides opportunities throughout secondary grades. The case study also compared traditional post-industrial educational environments to current designs of flexible learning spaces. Check out more about the new high school (click here.)
- SG, Lavallee Brensinger Architects (LBA), and the CCP spoke about the new Career and Advanced Technology Center at SCUP’s Annual Mid-Atlantic Conference (click to see the original post.) SG, LBA, and CCP used the new Career and Advanced Technology Center in West Philadelphia as a case study to provide insight into why and how the investment and design of technical trade schools can transform the local community and environment.
- SG attended the A4LE Northeast Region’s Annual Conference and engaged in a speaking session focused on the School District of Springfield Township’s (SDST) new Enfield Elementary School (click to see the original post.) The session highlighted SDST and the local community in their collaboration to envision a school that is designed to be a community anchor and to promote critical thinking in grades K-2. Find out more about Enfield Elementary School (click here.)
- SG sponsored and attended North Carolina Sheriff’s Association’s (NCSA) Spring Conference (click to see the original post.) SG Principal Harry Pettoni attended and exhibited at NCSA’s Spring Conference in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. The Conference brought many state Sheriffs and law enforcement agencies together to help provide them with new information and better services for their departments.
- SG attended the North Carolina Public Safety Communications Conference in Wilmington, North Carolina (click to see the original post.) The event was hosted by the North Carolina Association of Public Safety Communications Officials (NC APCO) and the North Carolina National Emergency Number Association (NC NENA.) SG attended to provide an exhibition of our expertise in Public Safety programming, planning, and design.
- SG attended the Pennsylvania Association of Rural and Small Schools (PARRS) Conference in Boalsburg, Pennsylvania (click to see the original post.) SG Associate Devin Bradbury and Project Manager Eric Weiss represented the firm at the Conference which included different opportunities to engage in as well as meeting some familiar and new faces. We look forward to attending more PARRS events in the future.
- SG attended Maryland’s 68th Annual ASBO Spring Conference in Ocean City, Maryland (click to see the original post.) SG Principals Bruce Bachtle, Tom Forsberg, and Harry Pettoni were at the annual conference to exhibit SG’s services and designs.
- SG attended the 2022 PASBO Facilities, Transportation, and Safety Conference in Lancaster. SG was represented at this annual conference by SG team members Danielle Hoffer, Charlotte Stoudt, and Tom Forsberg.
- SG attended the 2022 PASA/PSBA School Leadership Conference in the Poconos. SG was excited to return to this annual conference that included more than 40 educational sessions and learning labs on relevant public-school topics.
- SG attended A4LE LearningSCAPES in San Antonio, Texas (click to see the original post.) It was an exciting event with SG Managing Partner, David Schrader, receiving the A4LE Lifetime Achievement award.
- SG attended the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) Annual Conference and Exposition in Dallas, Texas. SG Principals Tom Forsberg and Harry Pettoni represented SG at this bustling conference committed to advancing safer communities through thoughtful, progressive police leadership.
- SG attended the 36th Annual Delaware Valley Association of School Board Officials (DVASBO) Trade Show in Oaks, PA. Managing Partner David Schrader was joined by Principal Harry Pettoni and Associate Danielle Hoffer at the event that assists in DVASBO’s mission of developing and supporting leaders in school business operations for the counties of Bucks, Chester, Delaware, and Montgomery.
- SG attended the 2022 EDspaces Convention in Portland, Oregon. In addition to attending the convention that explored how innovation transforms learning spaces, the SG team, with UMASD Administration presented a session on “Student-Focused Design to Inspire Personal Achievement” by using the new Upper Merion Area High School as a case study.

- Hatboro-Horsham School District’s (HHSD) new Crooked Billet Elementary School was recognized as an Outstanding Project in Learning by Design’s Spring issue (click to see the original post.) SG is excited to have worked with HHSD on the design of a wonderful learning facility. The new school promotes its community’s and young students’ needs while highlighting the historical heritage of Crooked Billet designed within the center of the school. Learn more about the project (click here.)
- UMASD’s new Upper Merion Area High School received an Outstanding Project award in Learning by Design’s Fall issue (click to see the original post.) The new High School’s design was the result of UMASD’s vision, its community’s collaboration, and SG’s commitment to academic design—a recognition that was appropriately deserved.
- UMASD’s new Upper Merion Area High School also received an Outstanding Project award in American School & University’s Fall 2022 Architectural Portfolio issue. The new facility provides career and higher education level spaces for the students of UMASD to engage in the next-generation learning activities of “research, develop, and present!”
- SG’s ongoing Regional Traffic Management Center (RTMC) project for PennDOT District 6.0 received a transportation industry award during the March of Dimes annual Transportation Luncheon. The RTMC received the “Alternative Delivery Project of the Year” award with Project Manager Courtney Anspach in attendance.
- SCHRADERGROUP Managing Partner David Schrader was awarded the Association for Learning Environments’ (A4LE) Lifetime Achievement Award this year. This award is the most distinguished professional award bestowed to an A4LE member and honors an individual who has distinguished him or herself by making significant lasting contributions to the educational facility planning industry throughout their career. Congratulations David!
- SCHRADERGROUP was selected by the Pennsylvania American Institute of Architects (PA AIA) to receive the 2022 AIA Pennsylvania EPiC Firm Recognition. SG received this recognition for demonstrating a commitment to the development of Pennsylvania’s emerging professionals.

- SG Principal Harry Pettoni was named President of A4LE’s Chesapeake Bay/Delaware Valley Chapter in 2022 (click to see the original post.) As Chapter President, Harry will serve a three-year term to lead the Chapter in its endeavors to create Next Generation Learning Environments.
- Tyler Corbley registered as a new Architect in the state of Pennsylvania (click to see the original post.) SG celebrated Tyler’s accomplishments and growth since his summer internship at SG and now his registration as a Pennsylvanian Architect. We look forward to his continuing future contributions to SG and architecture.
- SG welcomed a new Project Architect, Trevor Mitchell (click to see the original post.) Trevor is Jefferson University graduate with over six years of experience in architecture. He has been contributing support and design detail to SG and its client’s projects. Welcome Trevor to the SG family!
- SG welcomed a new Interior Designer and Project Manager, Derek Perini (click to see the original post.) Derek brings over 24 years of interior design experience in senior living, multifamily residences, hospitality, and higher education design. We are excited to have Derek contribute and expand our interior design studio and market.
- Former Intern Dan Pawluczyk returned to SG as a full-time Architectural Designer (click to see the original post.) Dan was a recent Pennsylvania State University graduate and worked a summer internship at SG in 2021. He returned to continue his commitment to architecture, SCHRADERGROUP, and our projects and clients.
- Bruce Bachtle, SG Partner, announced his retirement in 2022 (click to see the original post.) Bruce has dedicated much to SG and its team since 2005—a mentor and friend to many including clients, industry partners, communities, and families. We all thank you, Bruce!

- SG attended Pennsylvania State University’s (PSU) Annual Stuckeman School Career Day (click to see the original post.) SG team members and PSU Alumni David Schrader, Paige Faria, and Jillian Kreglow attended PSU’s annual Career Day and met with many bright aspiring architecture students.
- SG sponsored and attended the 22nd Annual Montgomery County Intermediate Unit Education Foundation’s (MCIUEF) Golf Outing (click to see the original post.) As a proud sponsor, SG attended this event that raised funds to enhance and support educational opportunities for students in the County. We look forward to next year!
- SG sponsored and attended the Great Valley School District Educational Foundation’s Harlem Wizard Event. SG was proud to be a “Slam Dunk” sponsor at this fun event that raised funds for the schools in the district.
- SG sponsored and attended CCP’s Annual Black and Gold Gala (click to see the original post.) CCP’s Black and Gold Gala is a premier charity event that celebrates and recognizes outstanding individuals and services that encourages community growth. SG is proud to have sponsored and been a part of CCP’s mission to build a better and brighter future for Philadelphia.
- SG Principals and Associates, Bruce Bachtle, Tom Forsberg, Dan D’Amico, and Devin Bradbury attended the Delaware Valley Association of School Business Officials’ (DVASBO) 32nd Annual Golf Outing (click to see the original post.) SG is proud to have attended and helped raise money for scholarships for students in the Delaware Valley area.
- SG sponsored and attended Council Rock Education Foundation’s 3rd Annual Golf Classic outing (click to see the original post.) Project Architects Eric Weiss, Mark Adamiak, and Chris Farmer represented SG and our sponsorship to Council Rock Education Foundation. As always, we look forward to next year’s golf outing.
- SG Managing Partner David Schrader attended and spoke at the GAF Marketing Summit in Philadelphia, PA. David participated in the “Transforming our Future” Panel Discussion which was regarded as a highlight of the summit.
- SG sponsored and attended the North Penn Education Foundation’s 21st Annual Golf Classic. SCHRADERGROUP team members Devin Bradbury and Eric Weiss represented SG and our sponsorship to the Foundation. The outing helped raise charitable funds for the foundation while participants enjoyed a day on the course.
WRAPPING UP 2022 + WELCOMING 2023!
These notes represent only a few of the highlights for SCHRADERGROUP in 2022. Many more are not covered herein. Some of those successes included; the progress of both current and new projects throughout the year, SG’s personal family growth and accomplishments, community involvement, and much more.
Again, SCHRADERGROUP gives thanks for all of the support and the opportunities that were provided to us this past year from all of you—our clients, industry partners, consultants, friends, and family. We look forward to contributing more to all of your communities and ours in the next year.
Happy New Year,
From all of us at SCHRADERGROUP.

SCHRADERGROUP Attends the Community College of Philadelphia’s Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for the New Career and Advanced Technology Center
SCHRADERGROUP (SG) attended the ribbon cutting ceremony for the new Career and Advanced Technology Center (CATC) for the Community College of Philadelphia (CCP) in Philadelphia, PA on August 18th, 2022. The event commemorated the completion of the college’s newest facility.

As part of its mission to build a better and brighter future for Philadelphia, the College selected SCHRADERGROUP, in partnership with Lavallee Brensinger Architects (LBA), to transform the college’s West Philadelphia Regional Center into a destination that provides high-quality academic, career, and technical programs that support career-focused students entering the region’s workforce. The main objective of this effort was to create a dynamic, identity-focused center that provides students with the ideal learning environment for mastering technologies of the ever-evolving industry and healthcare workplaces.

SCHRADERGROUP Managing Partner David Schrader, Project Architect Eric Weiss, and Interior Designer Charlotte Stoudt represented SG at the event, with members from LBA and our engineering subconsultants in attendance as well. Our design team joined CCP staff, faculty, students, local community members, and city and state officials to celebrate the new facility’s completion.

The main goal of the project was to create a center that provides students with programs that concentrate on career readiness and to generate a thriving workforce in Philadelphia’s transportation, manufacturing, and healthcare fields. The new 75,000 SF facility includes state-of-the-art advanced and adaptive technologies for instructional space and study areas, laboratory service bays for automobiles and small engine equipment, and spaces for diesel technology. Programs offered include transportation and logistics technology training, advanced manufacturing training, entry-level healthcare career training, and an innovation hub for small businesses and entrepreneurs.

The existing West Campus Automotive Technology facility was demolished and replaced with the three-story building.

Comprehensive instruction and training in this facility will focus on automotive and stationary equipment. Programs on the ground floor will service current and future technologies, including diagnostic and repair procedures, as well as techniques for vehicles powered with gasoline, diesel, biotech, electric, propane, and compressed natural gas. The second and third stories will consist of a variety of classrooms and laboratory spaces supporting the automotive program, materials technologies, and healthcare programs.

Other notable features of the facility include LEED certification, energy efficient design utilizing copious amounts of natural daylight, green rooftops for students and community members, a second-floor patio and adjoining room for events, and a learning commons and multiple conference rooms for student collaboration.

SG would also like to express our gratitude to the entire team for their contributions to the design and construction of this amazing school. Thank you to our partnering firm, Lavallee Brensinger Architects, and our subconsultant team KS Engineers, Arora Engineers, Metropolitan Acoustics, Re:Vision Architecture, and International Consultants, Inc. for all of the collaborative work done on this project.

SG was honored to work on this exciting project. To learn more, click here.
To learn more about the Community College of Philadelphia, click here.

SCHRADERGROUP Sponsors and Attends the Council Rock Education Foundation’s 3rd Annual Golf Classic
SCHRADERGROUP (SG) attended the Council Rock Education Foundation’s third annual Golf Classic this summer. The event was hosted at the Philmont Country Club in Huntingdon Valley, PA on June 20th, with proceeds being used to support innovative K-12 S.T.E.A.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, The Arts, and Mathematics) programs and projects for the students at Council Rock School District.
SG was proud to once again be a Bogey Sponsor for this great cause. It is always a pleasure to continue our tradition of support for Council Rock School District and all of the tremendous benefits that come from such an important fundraiser. As educational planners and architects, SG is always looking for new ways to support educational districts and foundations that are committed to the success of their students.

SG team members Mark Adamiak, Eric Weiss, and Chris Farmer joined Terry DeGroot, Principal of Terraform Engineering, on the Terraform Team. This year, the Council Rock Education Foundation celebrates its 14th year of supporting S.T.E.A.M. Innovation projects, 21st Century Literacy, Youth Leadership, and Environmental Engagement for the district’s students. SG is proud to support an organization that is so dedicated to engaging and assisting students in developing their critical thinking skills.
Events like these are important to the success of a school district and its students, as it allows the funding of programs that would otherwise not be covered in the annual budget. SG would like to thank the dedicated members of the foundation for organizing this great event and we look forward to sponsoring the next one!
Learn more about SCHRADERGROUP’s work with Council Rock School District and other School Districts in the region here.
Learn more about the Council Rock Education Foundation here.

Great Valley School District Breaks Ground on New 5/6 Center
SCHRADERGROUP (SG) attended the official ceremonial groundbreaking for the new 5/6 Center for Great Valley School District (GVSD) on Monday, July 18th. SG Managing Partner David Schrader and Associate Danielle V. Hoffer attended the event with GVSD board members, administration, and the design team.

As a result of a comprehensive Facility Assessment and Master Plan, the option to build a new 5-6 Center will provide the district relief at the four K-5 elementary schools and 6-8 middle school as enrollments continue to climb. The construction of a new facility provides a unique opportunity to design a facility specific for this transitional age group to accommodate 900 students. Based on the teaming model, the academic wing will be comprised of four classroom clusters per grade level on each floor.

The new school will be located on the site currently serving the K.D. Markley Elementary School and the District Administration Building. A portion of the existing District Administration Building will be demolished with the original historic portion of the building maintained. The former historic building will be repurposed as the bus drop-off entrance to the school. A bridge connects the two-story academic building on the lower side of the site to the public spaces on the upper side. The sitework will include modifications to the existing site circulation, including a separate bus drop off for both the new 5-6 Center and the K. D. Markley Elementary School, as well as parking and playfields to accommodate the new construction and program.

The historic portion of the building will be renovated to house the school’s STEM program and will serve as the back drop for the media resource area. The central 2-story learning commons in the academic core of the building features a learning stair to provide a vertical connection from the first to second floor overlooking the space.

The main entrance opens into the dining commons with the stage. Tiered seating allows this multi-purpose space to serve as a performance area. The stage is also accessible from the gymnasium side to provide options for different venues.
This facility is scheduled to open in the fall of 2024.
To learn more about Great Valley School District, please click here.
To learn more about SCHRADERGROUP’s commitment to design for education, please click here.
SCHRADERGROUP Attends Delaware Valley Association of School Business Officials’ Annual Golf Outing!
SCHRADERGROUP (SG) recently attended the DVASBO Golf Outing at the Gilbertsville Golf Course on Friday, June 17th in Gilbertsville, PA. The Delaware Valley Association of School Business Officials (DVASBO) has held this outing for 32 consecutive years to help raise money for scholarships for Delaware Valley students.
DVASBO is the regional chapter of the Pennsylvania Association of School Business Officials (PASBO). For nearly five decades, DVASBO has been supporting school professionals in Bucks, Chester, Delaware, and Montgomery counties. The organization currently has over 1,000 members and they are devoted to providing members with education, training, professional development, and timely access to legislative and policy news.

SG Principals Bruce Bachtle and Tom Forsberg were joined by Project Managers and Associates Devin Bradbury and Dan D’Amico. The SG team would like to extend our sincere thanks to the dedicated members of DVASBO for organizing this event held for a great cause.
To learn more about SCHRADERGROUP’s commitment to educational facilities, click here.
To learn more about the Delaware Valley Association of School Business Officials, click here.

SCHRADERGROUP Sponsors and Attends the Annual Community College of Philadelphia Black & Gold Gala
SCHRADERGOUP (SG) attended the Community College of Philadelphia’s annual Black & Gold Gala at the Vie by Cescaphe in Philadelphia on June 1st. Managing Partner David Schrader was joined by Partner Bruce Bachtle, Interior Designer Charlotte Stoudt, and Architects Eric Weiss and Paige Geldrich for the signature fundraising event for the Community College of Philadelphia Foundation and one of greater Philadelphia’s premier social occasions.

The Black and Gold Gala is a premier charity event that recognizes outstanding service of individuals and organizations that demonstrate involvement in community growth in the areas of education, business, social services, and health. This recognition is awarded to those who exemplify leadership and are active in community initiatives in Philadelphia. Event proceeds benefit the 50th Anniversary Promise Scholarship and other scholarships for Community College of Philadelphia students. Last year, the Community College of Philadelphia Foundation provided over $1 million in scholarship support to students. SCHRADERGROUP was proud to be a sponsor for this event as part of our continued relationship with the College.
As part of its mission to build a better and brighter future for Philadelphia, the College selected SCHRADERGROUP, in partnership with Lavallee Brensinger Architects, to transform the college’s West Philadelphia Regional Center into a new Career and Advanced Technology Center. The center will provide high-quality academic, career, and technical programs for student’s entering the region’s workforce. The main goal of the project was to create a dynamic, identity-focused center that provides students with programs that concentrate on career readiness and to generate a thriving workforce in Philadelphia’s transportation, manufacturing, and healthcare fields.

The new 75,000 SF facility includes state-of-the-art advanced and adaptive technologies for instructional space and study areas, laboratory service bays for automobiles and small engine equipment, and spaces for diesel technology. Programs offered include transportation and logistics technology training, advanced manufacturing training, entry-level healthcare career training, and an innovation hub for small businesses and entrepreneurs.
Other notable features of the facility include LEED certification, energy efficient design utilizing copious amounts of natural daylight, green rooftops for students and community members, a second-floor patio and adjoining room for events, and a learning commons and multiple conference rooms for student collaboration. The facility just recently opened this August.
SG is thrilled to continue our work with the Community College of Philadelphia in bringing career training and community building to the forefront of our neighborhoods through state-of-the-art facilities, support for local entrepreneurship, and hands-on learning experiences for fields that are in demand. To learn more about this exciting project, click here.
To learn more about the Community College of Philadelphia, click here.
SCHRADERGROUP Attends the PARSS Conference in Boalsburg, PA
SCHRADERGROUP (SG) attended the Pennsylvania Association of Rural and Small Schools (PARSS) Conference from May 4th to the 6th at the Wyndham Garden Hotel at the Mountain View Country Club in Boalsburg, PA.
The 2022 Conference was the first that SG has attended. SG team members Devin Bradbury and Eric Weiss represented SG at the event that included a golf tournament, a social, a dinner banquet, and various speaking engagements and presentations. It was great to see some familiar faces and to create new relationships.
The Pennsylvania Association of Rural and Small Schools (PARSS) is an advocacy and service organization dedicated to ensuring that the Commonwealth’s rural school students have access to a quality education. It is PARSS’s mission to promote equal opportunity for quality education for all students in every school and community in Pennsylvania.
Thank you to the PARSS Conference for having us and we look forward to returning next year! To learn more about PARSS, please click here.
To learn more about SCHRADERGROUP’s commitment to creating 21st Century learning environments, click here.