[{"_1":2,"_112":-5,"_113":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6372958,"mediaKeyId","2146665-44efb624eda2c055f6260e94ce2b470b","parentId",2146665,"title","School board approves audit, construction change orders and contracts; greenlights RFP for food service","audioSeconds",8874,"startMs",277000,"endMs",9151000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2146665-44efb624eda2c055f6260e94ce2b470b&start=277&end=9151","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2146665-44efb624eda2c055f6260e94ce2b470b/thumbnail_277000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6372958/Pennsylvania/School-board-approves-audit-construction-change-orders-and-contracts-greenlights-RFP-for-food-service","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6372958-9a1ddeb9f9b42f87e25af66bd0397ecf/orig.mp4?Expires=1770505464&Signature=k5cszTG-F7jEwS9FLzcssTzUgZ1Xq~psIEal1~12hSnyYWiJ03z5c-vb8P~8U-~fSxdd9zCVRFhyhnrXGuljPiLt-7yF0cRhrt5cV7jXdpRP049isIGJzuHuOe0yNxNoRsMSPs5yj~fk-fdUFtJdcYaStnAltdthiIs7HRryMiUJ49~Mn00GPa36NLAZs3PRmfk8wqwst57TMRuWNTENDvSlzrhDvBBy1fmcqg~-iSra5v-OcXXCMN4cTAEVwiUVwMxprReJPxxopJ3G212FWB1oMbAhQMUFJPm~nqUwTPl5ZddHQjEHJeq-ZST2Euh3V5GGRKOkeqZaodKzIbfPSA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Haverford Township School District","date","2025-01-24T08:59:48.267Z","article","The Haverford Township School District Board of School Directors approved a package of administrative and procurement actions during its Jan. 23 regular meeting, including acceptance of the district’s 2023–24 independent audit and several construction and service contracts and authorizations.

The board voted unanimously to accept the 2023–24 independent audit as presented by Withum/Smith+Brown (the auditor’s representative discussed the report during the superintendent’s report). The auditor gave the district an unmodified opinion on the financial statements for the year ended June 30, 2024 and said the audited statements “were fairly presented,” with no current-year material weaknesses or significant deficiencies found (a typographical reference to a prior year item was noted and will be corrected). The board accepted the report with the understanding the minor editorial corrections will be incorporated.

In construction and facilities business, the board authorized change orders totaling $40,613.10 related to Chatham Park project work; the district’s owner’s representative described the items as routine unforeseen conditions, signage, and a contractor back-charge that net to zero. The board also approved a professional-services proposal for elevator work at Chatham Park: a contract with Tri-State Elevator Company totaling $104,290.

On procurement policy, the board authorized staff to solicit a request for proposals (RFP) for a food service management company. Administration said the district is in the final renewal year with the current contractor and Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) review of the RFP is required before advertisement. The PDE template prescribes scoring categories (including a cost component), and administration outlined a timeline that would put submission of proposals in April and a board-level decision before the new school year.

Other approvals included ratifying the district’s engagement of outside counsel Mullen Coughlin LLC to advise on a PowerSchool cybersecurity event; acceptance of three charitable donations totaling $13,037.33 (a $10,000 donation to clear student lunch debt; $3,012.33 from the America Italy Society to support world language activities; and $25 to a PATH program fundraiser); and the board’s acceptance of several human-resources motions (resignations, retirements, appointments and leaves) listed on the agenda.

The board also approved: the 2025–26 Haverford High School course selection guide; an affiliation agreement with Drexel University to host school-psychologist interns; adoption of Policy 915 on booster clubs and organizations (final reading and adoption); and three trustee appointments to the Delaware County Community College board (the trustee vote was recorded by roll call and passed).

Where votes were taken by voice, the board recorded “Aye” and the motions passed; the trustee appointments were approved by roll call. Several agenda items had limited discussion; staff noted standard review processes (PDE review for the food-service RFP) or that contingency remained in active capital project budgets. The meeting concluded after public comment and customary closing items.

Votes at a glance: minutes and routine approvals, change orders $40,613.10 (approved), Tri-State Elevator contract $104,290 (approved), charitable donations $13,037.33 (accepted), accept 2023–24 independent audit (approved), authorize RFP for food-service management (approved pending PDE review), ratify Mullen Coughlin engagement for PowerSchool cyber incident review (approved), adopt Policy 915 (approved), approve Drexel affiliation and other HR items (approved).","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","01/23/25 School Board Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","The Haverford Township School District Board of School Directors approved the district’s independent audit for 2023–24 and a set of construction and procurement actions at its Jan. 23 meeting, and authorized staff to solicit competitive bids for food service management.","taxTitle","Haverford Township SD, School Districts, Pennsylvania","taxId",38557,"location","Pennsylvania","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6372946,"District presents student-assessment results: high achievement rankings, mixed growth; AP participation rises",2457,3811000,6268000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2146665-44efb624eda2c055f6260e94ce2b470b&start=3811&end=6268","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2146665-44efb624eda2c055f6260e94ce2b470b/thumbnail_3811000.jpg","/articles/6372946/Pennsylvania/District-presents-student-assessment-results-high-achievement-rankings-mixed-growth-AP-participation-rises","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6372946-9c296d651e9a1f02a0ddddfe61d44a59/orig.mp4?Expires=1770505465&Signature=HLMCCucx7zJqyt8JW8jNAS3xwCHOyz0aNYOr2U1uga70Bn9IBmoiCUq~oawaU0xHmMiSyW--G8ROFAY-hDBi4zZ6YdtV-uiu2ncAHV0SBGvBLJWvUsZ2R-7KzDty3M1IxcPXdjAt3eicNeSqaifkdtQL6kFpNItcixK9AIQlNVWzlGYbKHYnlVxa179uswpddq5LpezNVDDiFX42aO-8duTRsKJ2KRAOoWfeJX~~k0L98LV0sHycR0wc5ix2vXWcwvkLOpqNc8wHzgHZ8ZiYKIDcuso7yJxKsCZVSrM-EcDS2IxKFCns5iA8Fik45A7SJRKpcOpo~2fnjh7r7jfcXQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","District leaders presented a summary of student-assessment results and growth metrics at the Jan. 23 board meeting, placing the data in state and multi-year context and highlighting areas for focus.

District officials said Haverford Township students scored in the top percentages of Pennsylvania on several measures. Administrators reported the district ranked broadly in the top 2–3% of the state in some assessed areas (for example, district‑wide math across grades 4–8 was reported as in the top 3% and ELA in the top 2% in the public state comparison tool referenced in the presentation). That high achievement, district presenters said, requires intentional work to sustain growth for students already performing near the top of the state distribution.

The presentation distinguished achievement (percent proficient/advanced) from growth (relative movement against peer cohorts). Using the state’s PBOS (growth) measures, many district schools met or exceeded expected growth; a small number of schools were below the state’s growth expectation and building-level teams are continuing targeted work. Presentation slides showed scatterplots by building illustrating relative achievement and growth in ELA, math and grade‑4 science.

For high‑school national measures, Dr. Moyer summarized SAT and AP trends: SAT mean scores reported were 1184 (2022, 338 students), 1145 (2023, 374 students), and 1168 (2024, 358 students). AP participation rose from 519 students in 2020 to 611 in 2024, with exams rising from 986 to 1,146 in the same period. The number of students scoring 3 or higher on AP exams dipped in 2021 but reached a high of 548 students scoring 3+ in 2024; the percent scoring 3 or better recovered to 89.69% in 2024 (highest in the presented window).

The district also reviewed English‑learner performance using WIDA access levels. For 2023–24, the EL program served 140 students k–12; 62 of those were eligible to participate in PSSA/PASA or Keystone assessments. Results for that eligible group showed 6 advanced, 18 proficient, 30 basic and 7 below-basic. Officials noted EL students, per PBOS growth measures, met or exceeded growth expectations, and administrators emphasized WIDA data informs targeted instruction.

Presenters and board members discussed nuances of interpretation — including that growth is a relative position vs. peers and that some high-achieving schools must sustain growth from an already high baseline. Audience members asked about comparative districts, grade-level details (for example, discussion focused on fifth‑grade ELA/mathematics trends) and the availability of more granular data. Administrators pointed stakeholders to a longer curriculum-committee presentation and district data posted online for detailed subgroup and course-level results.

District leaders said they will continue to use multiple measures, targeted interventions, and curriculum adjustments to support growth where needed and sustain high achievement across schools.","Administrators reviewed state and national assessment results for the district including PSSA/Keystone proficiency and growth measures, WIDA results for English learners, SAT participation and mean scores, and increased AP participation and pass rates.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6372947,"Independent audit: Haverford Township SD receives unmodified opinion; fund transfers to capital projects noted",1070,1144000,2214000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2146665-44efb624eda2c055f6260e94ce2b470b&start=1144&end=2214","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2146665-44efb624eda2c055f6260e94ce2b470b/thumbnail_1144000.jpg","/articles/6372947/Pennsylvania/Independent-audit-Haverford-Township-SD-receives-unmodified-opinion-fund-transfers-to-capital-projects-noted","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6372947-cc8408f1844234afe0aabc609fe992f6/orig.mp4?Expires=1770505465&Signature=Otfu4mKfrdnNqtG6oSbFAQzz1z4xXRmCQDO4fnMrZc3CJzfjtJazfpdzNycjIFBQHJtyS3QHiQRNac0egcvC64aoUEcviuQALniCNZMPis13GjCj67txSiamRtIA5JHLD1hgazugvCOdDsl1A3DJqLeToiO3bluCcLCaaQkvxRbL9QvYVeQ3Z~7tgmlGQbvoGI8fNkod8E~vOD4qySJnhuQH4SWmN6tszD1hd4fHmL0Ymn7PdOXf~bseStvMChB6sVt-0zy~y3tdgJPkfJWJbWEVuNjA4hlf5e4CU07YO4riHvt9W~RUnRq8ByviOjtsP2AeGFQ7VUaVviGNjOHbNA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The independent auditor for Haverford Township School District presented the 2023–24 audit highlights at the Jan. 23 board meeting and the board voted to accept the audit report.

Carl Hogan of Withum Smith and Brown reviewed the audit’s opinion and key financial metrics. He said the firm issued an unmodified opinion on the district’s financial statements for the year ended June 30, 2024, and encouraged board and community members to read management’s discussion and analysis for narrative context. Hogan highlighted total revenues of approximately $146 million and total expenditures near the same amount for the year; the district finished the year with a modest positive variance overall despite some volatility in local revenue sources such as real-estate transfer taxes.

Hogan explained the district transferred roughly $8.2 million from the general fund to the capital projects fund (a planned use of committed fund balance) and that the general fund fund balance decreased to a roughly $19.5 million level after those transfers. He said the capital projects fund increased to about $16 million at year end, in part due to $22 million of debt issued during the year (including refinancing and premiums). The auditor noted an unmodified opinion and stated that no current-year material weaknesses or significant deficiencies were identified in internal control over financial reporting; a board member pointed out a typographical reference to a prior‑year finding in the draft and the auditor said that would be corrected.

Hogan described other fund results: the food-service enterprise fund improved its net position by about $500,000, and the district’s participation in the Delaware County Health Consortium (internal service fund) increased (reported balance about $14 million), providing the district with reserves to manage premium volatility. He noted debt-service costs of about $14 million, roughly 7–10% of the annual budget — in line with comparable districts.

A board member asked for a summary of the district’s overall financial condition; Hogan described a steady improvement in fund balance over his tenure and characterized district budgeting as conservative, allowing the district to set aside monies for capital projects rather than borrowing the full amount when projects arise. The board accepted the audit report subject to incorporation of editorial corrections the auditor acknowledged.

The auditor recommended the board review management’s discussion and analysis and noted the budget-to-actual schedule in the audit report as a key tool for planning. The board will file any corrected final audit documents according to state filing requirements.","The district’s independent auditors issued an unmodified opinion on the 2023–24 financial statements; auditors described revenue and expenditure results, fund‑balance transfers to the capital projects fund and no new material weaknesses in controls for the year.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6372952,"Coopertown Elementary design advances; district readies Act 34 booklet and spring bid schedule",689,2500000,3189000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2146665-44efb624eda2c055f6260e94ce2b470b&start=2500&end=3189","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2146665-44efb624eda2c055f6260e94ce2b470b/thumbnail_2500000.jpg","/articles/6372952/Pennsylvania/Coopertown-Elementary-design-advances-district-readies-Act-34-booklet-and-spring-bid-schedule","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6372952-a5a46e36c98d883ce6cc1d887ed2d34c/orig.mp4?Expires=1770505465&Signature=ZIyn56zhMUGs58ubsmVrLTrj9i78BbbxK9UnODVDIl4y7rM1b4t1Hs6sIS5tePo1iHFBcaVLpxo6G4MfRCK0sohv4RB2Avb5t4G3dTWDqMfywl3npMUnQ-QLwRfgbHg~-ZyJ3Dvr0jiYwfZOKqiKb8ml2kyTe94BtEKuCxJxHpbYGtfTNbhBFBa~Zxg4SW89~3cxeUVrbBiAoxcyOUEljTj3GE-3RUqqJV5vsZJTRbVQJVEfNvztYlPX806Q6Gs8zbO5IetxE6zNPm9X5vWk8J43ULxUKoIUjyHDCt-K-AnDzpW~oLUFGf3RcJxg2QzBAQqCP4i1AgR2uqbankMIbQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Haverford Township School District staff and the project team presented updated design plans, cost estimates and a near-term schedule for the Coopertown Elementary School renovation and additions at the Jan. 23 board meeting.

Jeff Straub, lead architect for the Coopertown project, told the board the team finalized site design and is working through minimal site impacts while preserving features of the existing building. The plan keeps two rear additions, relocates the main office to the front with a secure entry and converts the underused auditorium into a media center. Straub said learning-support spaces are distributed through the building, and the design clusters grade-level pods to reduce circulation time for younger students.

The design team presented exterior renderings that deliberately respect existing local masonry and stonework identified by staff as characteristic of the Coopertown community; architects said that influenced materials, color palette and a more modest modern expression than recent new-build projects in the district. Board members asked whether community members had been consulted; Straub said building staff relayed community preferences to the design team and that interior graphics and a school identity will be developed with building leaders and students.

A third‑party cost estimate delivered Jan. 10 placed construction cost at roughly $23,000,000, a 2% delta from an October $22,500,000 figure and within the estimator’s margin of error. That estimate included a 5% estimating contingency (about $500,000). The team described two primary bid alternates: a new main entrance for the district office (an allowance near $400,000) and a solar array allowance for Coopertown (presented in discussion as roughly $400,000–$500,000), with administration planning to structure bids to allow for IRA (Inflation Reduction Act) tax-credit/ reimbursement eligibility (the team noted a roughly 30% federal incentive could be recoverable at bid/construction closeout).

Key schedule milestones presented: delivery of 50% construction documents (anticipated Jan. 30), final Act 34 booklet to be uploaded ahead of the Feb. 6 board meeting, Act 34 hearing scheduled for March 6 (allowing the statutorily required public-notice window), advertisement and out-to-bid March 11, bid receipt in April and the tentative start of construction in early June when school is out. The project team said combining the Coopertown work with other recent projects (Chatham Park) will help competitive pricing and bring current market knowledge to estimating.

Board discussion focused on design character and community identity. One board member asked why the Coopertown exterior appears less modern than other recent projects; the architect explained the decision to preserve local stone and brick and to introduce a subtle modern entry and interior graphics rather than a stronger modern palette, and said the approach was a product of conversations with staff and conveyed community preference. Board members also asked about building-level amenities such as additional restrooms by grade pod, clarifying which toilet rooms are existing and which are added.

Administration said the final Act 34 booklet and supporting financial pages (PFM financials) will be completed and uploaded about a week after the Jan. 10 estimate so the board can review ahead of the Feb. 6 meeting when the board will be asked to approve the booklet and schedule the formal Act 34 hearing. If adopted on the planned schedule, bids would be solicited in March with construction intended to begin in June.

Project clarifications and amounts are subject to final contractor bids and board approval of the Act 34 booklet and the final project budget. The district will return to the board for formal budget and bid-award actions once estimates and bids are in hand.","Architects and the district presented updated Coopertown Elementary design renderings, a near-term schedule and a third‑party cost estimate that aligns with prior budgets; the board discussed exterior materials, solar allowances and next steps for permitting and bidding.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

School board approves audit, construction change orders and contracts; greenlights RFP for food service

District presents student-assessment results: high achievement rankings, mixed growth; AP participation rises

Independent audit: Haverford Township SD receives unmodified opinion; fund transfers to capital projects noted

Coopertown Elementary design advances; district readies Act 34 booklet and spring bid schedule