[{"_1":2,"_100":-5,"_101":-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],{"_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",6634300,"mediaKeyId","2705115-e001579f04de66ba43349c789f1bd6b1","parentId",2705115,"title","Votes at a glance: Abington Board approves routine minutes, personnel changes, permits, contracts and a memorial garden","audioSeconds",571,"startMs",7859000,"endMs",8430000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2705115-e001579f04de66ba43349c789f1bd6b1&start=7859&end=8430","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2705115-e001579f04de66ba43349c789f1bd6b1/thumbnail_7859000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6634300/Pennsylvania/Votes-at-a-glance-Abington-Board-approves-routine-minutes-personnel-changes-permits-contracts-and-a-memorial-garden","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6634300-901abcc4aec32c162e990ef8173ab950/orig.mp4?Expires=1771148610&Signature=AUByCWUX~p~4K68n6mBIoU0keaBYPSgmuzR79w8VFu2z9ItHiRGTjrOTLFuyfJv5292Xfxm90qvb6ZaKqTbT4HPQx9elGAEkJlceMm3Sge0ts9FI7OZ7xA1AXsGnyrUZxNJQq7A3biENXhs-jPieqdynS4RB0bt8YZgpjiVy0G0cLuhFSzNZpNV~tSwWohJi-kx7wUCkyJjETFj7jXM21FVRW~YQ2cSQpKOh0cBFtirYm6BfrXLRE9UfDyTMDedx00eyzGIB-CUTQtJryRD1FshakukrCiIt2caPMhmPtXQz6epY98Hb-ivjUBnGkxGW8ZqFNR5EeOLuAgiEPW-1Iw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Abington School District","date","2025-03-11T00:00:00Z","article","The Abington Board of School Directors took a set of routine approvals at its March 11 meeting. Board members voted unanimously on minutes, personnel items, building-permit requests, contract awards and an alumni-funded memorial garden. The actions were noncontroversial and were recorded by roll call.

What the board approved: The board approved (1) minutes for prior board meetings, (2) personnel addenda including leaves of absence, retirements and other personnel changes (the addendum included the retirement of Yolanda Moran, a first-grade teacher at Copper Beach Elementary after 22 years of service), (3) permit applications for use of buildings and grounds as listed in the agenda addendum, (4) award of three contracts including a capital lease financing agreement for eight 72-passenger buses, a library-management system cloud migration (Destiny by Follett), and Microsoft Office Suite licensing, and (5) acceptance of a donor-funded memorial garden at Abington Senior High School proposed by the class of 1972 to honor Ashton Carter, with the district approving design and noting it will not be responsible for ongoing maintenance.

Vote tallies and procedure: Each item was moved and seconded on the record and approved by roll-call vote. Board members recorded as voting \"Aye\" included: Mister Allen; Missus Brown; Miss Eisenhart; Mister Mohammed; Miss Boulding (listed in the roll call); Miss Hartman; Miss Frazier; Miss Faizy; Doctor Mowery; and others present on the roll call. No votes were recorded against any of the items listed in the agenda addenda presented March 11.

What to watch next: The personnel addendum and contract awards will be reflected in district personnel records and procurement logs. The administration said the financed bus purchases will be accounted for in the general fund starting in 2025-26, and the memorial garden will be installed at no cost to the district but will remain the district's property per policy while maintenance is the donor's responsibility.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","March 11, 2025 Meeting of the Abington Board of School Directors","oneSentenceSummary","At its March 11 meeting the board approved minutes, personnel addenda, facilities permits, several contract awards and accepted an alumni donation to install a memorial garden at Abington Senior High School; all recorded votes were unanimous.","taxTitle","Abington SD, School Districts, Pennsylvania","taxId",38293,"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},6634302,"Abington SD reports midyear gains in reading and math but warns gaps remain for some student groups",2339,2141000,4480000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2705115-e001579f04de66ba43349c789f1bd6b1&start=2141&end=4480","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2705115-e001579f04de66ba43349c789f1bd6b1/thumbnail_2141000.jpg","/articles/6634302/Pennsylvania/Abington-SD-reports-midyear-gains-in-reading-and-math-but-warns-gaps-remain-for-some-student-groups","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6634302-b9c0e8c0e0ea292a47a180a519659e07/orig.mp4?Expires=1771148610&Signature=AO8j2tUKYv95BxvuhkI~w8pCrkopFn8-zB1PJucUAny4RJ0bK8Kcu71dauF4e7rfkJo7p0OcNMqx1IYLLKQjluE7SHDDr2scnrBOHjlTuKY2WCtIzhMKVZPqZGBDUnwwq3sILZKzUmAhoA7RZxy4ytFKpVoP8IbmJpFmZa9giKGfANUR8osKiOxOIZYQQT-5zIGDqvC5f0lRLDt22aew4ttXzrsllSW0LSXiOtQPiexdtckYaz7rtpFe9UeHTdU83bfbdofdCLisWtGYyEbBwlle2ocCk3zhDTXopkIcTsQ371G7X4g4eNvzwhDJVg-JS3n1nXqjCzQxCbaqzamLgA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","District elementary leaders presented midyear reading and mathematics diagnostic results on March 11, reporting measurable growth from fall to winter assessments while also describing persistent opportunity gaps among disaggregated student groups.

Why it matters: The midyear diagnostics let the district test interventions and make \"midyear pivots\" in instruction. Administrators said the results will guide adjustments to interventions before the spring benchmark and upcoming state tests.

Key findings and data: Dr. Jim Etlin said the winter I-Ready reading diagnostic showed the percentage of students reading on or above grade level rose from 40% in the fall to 63% in the winter. District presenters said disaggregated groups (including English-language learners and students receiving tiered reading supports) showed average gains but remain behind the all-students average in some grades. For mathematics, principals reported that students on or above grade level increased from 26% to 49% districtwide between fall and winter administrations of the I-Ready math diagnostic.

Interventions and midyear adjustments: Presenters described a twofold approach for reading support: (1) stronger foundational-skill instruction in grades K–2 using enhanced core reading strategies (administration cited Heggerty and ECRI) and quick phonics screeners to pinpoint needs; and (2) knowledge-building instruction and increased vocabulary and close-reading routines in grades 3–5. District reading specialists reported targeted tier-3 groups for students with the most significant reading needs and recommended adding quick phonics screeners and additional multisensory, repeated-practice routines to accelerate progress.

Programs, tools and adoption plans: Administrators said the district will adopt Amplify CKLA (Core Knowledge Language Arts) in 2025–26 for K–5 reading instruction; that adoption will include professional development and a re-benchmarking tool. The ELA committee will recommend a new intervention program for intensive reading supports at a future board meeting.

Access, participation and barriers: Principals described before- and after-school programs targeted by building; participation rates for invited students were reported in discussion as high (respondents described participation barriers such as transportation when programs run before school). Administrators said outreach to families is part of implementation and that summer reading supports and targeted packets will be promoted.

Board and public discussion: Board members asked for clarity about which measures drive eligibility for reading support, how participation is tracked, and the timing of assessments; presenters said fall benchmarks are administered in September, winter benchmarks in January and spring benchmarks in May and that midyear interventions are already under way.

Next steps: The district will continue progress monitoring, implement the planned curriculum adoption and return to the board with an intervention recommendation this spring. Administrators emphasized that the January-to-March adjustments described that evening had already begun and will continue before the spring benchmark.","District presenters said winter diagnostics show growth since fall: districtwide on-or-above-grade-level reading rose from 40% to 63% at midyear and math on-or-above-grade-level increased from 26% to 49%, but leaders said targeted interventions remain necessary for some disaggregated groups.",{"_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},6634308,"Abington SD draft budget proposes 3.8% tax increase; board to seek voter approval for $285 million middle school referendum",657,735000,1392000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2705115-e001579f04de66ba43349c789f1bd6b1&start=735&end=1392","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2705115-e001579f04de66ba43349c789f1bd6b1/thumbnail_735000.jpg","/articles/6634308/Pennsylvania/Abington-SD-draft-budget-proposes-38-tax-increase-board-to-seek-voter-approval-for-285-million-middle-school-referendum","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6634308-86a6712d98fbc519a4f057cca3cb9638/orig.mp4?Expires=1771148610&Signature=RzcmnDR7TqWkES7mwhzwV6qXebeAD3v06wDkEkAgQ7dIE7z5t73GgZAAfodKfqb4f2zuQ4wC51Oim-CLld2VKIFNogGi6GPD7qPHZaC5BFXxq0pwKCG36RpUpAdnCyfqZzFVlED30agB~dkjY4ikqj8V~JYGJgOzO1RkCvBDXPlwTPNSUvOLg4WRIndnrdlp7gbQJjyHvrC00do25oCpRb9A5Pq6H1sx0oiGPpVLFYsD9e91f6ewbCPo~53J5AWK3LZxcd6Jqgv3wLiP3YVcCs-ehBW3~HH5dGm3NtyKUMJrWTT85nTi0zCgxooMBiNMgmbfqstaYNvAPDlTIZGsvg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Abington Board of School Directors on March 11 reviewed an initial draft of the 2025–26 general fund budget that would raise the property tax millage from 37.07 to 38.55 mills, an increase the district calculated as roughly 3.86%. District business staff said the change would increase real-estate tax revenue by about $4,000,000 and raise total local revenue to an estimated $143,800,000 for 2025–26.

Why it matters: The draft ties near-term property-tax increases to the district's operating needs and to a planned May referendum that, if approved by voters, would fund a proposed $285,000,000 new middle school. Administrators said the referendum borrowing would be phased to match design and construction schedules and that debt service mills dedicated to the project would be structured so bond proceeds and related taxes are aligned with the project's cash needs.

District numbers and assumptions: Mr. Vittoria, who led the budget presentation, said the draft uses the Act 1 index to calculate the 4% allowable increase and that state, county and federal revenues are forecast using the latest guidance from the governor and PDE. He presented the draft revenue and expense figures: beginning fund balance $10,400,000 (audited 2024-25 starting balance was $21,600,000); local revenue $143,800,000; state revenue $49,500,000; federal revenue $2,200,000 (a decrease of about $687,000 compared with the prior year because ESSER pandemic funds are ending); total expenses $205,500,000; and an allocated fund balance use of $9,800,000 under the baseline scenario. Staff also showed an alternate scenario that assumes a smaller 2024-25 fund-balance use ($5,000,000), which would raise the projected 2025-26 beginning balance and reduce the budgeted use of reserves.

On pension costs, Vittoria said employer contribution rates to the Public School Employees' Retirement System (PSERS) have risen sharply over the past decade and that the projected employer contribution for 2025-26 is about 34%, increasing the district's mandated-benefit line to roughly $42,700,000 in the draft.

How the tax change would affect taxpayers: Presenting a model assessment of $141,130, the administration said the millage increase would raise taxes by $208.87 before homestead/property-relief adjustments and by $182.87 after an estimated homestead credit. Officials also walked through estimated impacts on low-income seniors (some income tiers would see little or no increase).

Referendum timing and effect: Mr. Leonetti, speaking about the proposed middle school, said the $285 million figure represents a planning-phase estimate and that borrowing would likely be phased to match design, professional-services payments and construction draws. \"We don't need $280,000,000 immediately,\" Leonetti said; \"there's a time schedule associated with a project like this, 12 to 18 months of planning ... and then even construction over a 3 year period.\" Leonetti added the district will work with its financial advisor and bond counsel to determine the borrowing strategy and timing.

Board process: Administrators said there was no action requested that night. They told the board they will review revenue and expense details on April 22 and on May 13 will ask the board to approve three resolutions: (1) adopt the proposed 2025–26 general fund budget, (2) adopt the board's intent to adopt the budget on June 24, and (3) authorize advertisement of the board's intent to adopt on June 24. Mr. Vittoria said staff will return with updated numbers in May after final state and county assessments are known.

Public comment and board reaction: During public comment, callers and residents expressed divided views. Michelle Cooper, who said she is a parent, urged a \"yes\" vote on May 20, calling a new middle school the \"smartest investment\" and saying renovation would cost roughly as much while causing four years of disruption. By contrast, Joe Rooney and other speakers urged caution on the bond question and said the district should prioritize classroom instruction and reading/math interventions before committing to large-scale borrowing. Board members asked detailed budget questions about contingency, vacancy savings and the composition of federal revenue changes; administrators said some decreases reflect the end of one-time ESSER funds and that state allocations will be clearer in May.

Next steps: The budget review continues; the board will see revised revenue estimates in late April and is scheduled to consider formal resolutions on May 13 that would set up a June public-adoption timeline and a May 20 referendum vote on the middle-school borrowing.","District staff presented a draft 2025–26 general fund budget that would raise the millage from 37.07 to 38.55 mills, generating an estimated $4 million in additional real-estate revenue. Administrators said the district will ask the board in May to approve resolutions to place a $285 million middle school referendum before voters.","actionData","errors"]

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Votes at a glance: Abington Board approves routine minutes, personnel changes, permits, contracts and a memorial garden

Abington SD reports midyear gains in reading and math but warns gaps remain for some student groups

Abington SD draft budget proposes 3.8% tax increase; board to seek voter approval for $285 million middle school referendum