[{"_1":2,"_88":-5,"_89":-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],{"_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",6687936,"mediaKeyId","2705113-10115a60709909ec26d3acffc0a0d8b8","parentId",2705113,"title","Board approves HVAC replacements after freeze damage; also OKs personnel, contracts and YMCA agreements","audioSeconds",439,"startMs",3939000,"endMs",4378000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2705113-10115a60709909ec26d3acffc0a0d8b8&start=3939&end=4378","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2705113-10115a60709909ec26d3acffc0a0d8b8/thumbnail_3939000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6687936/Pennsylvania/Board-approves-HVAC-replacements-after-freeze-damage-also-OKs-personnel-contracts-and-YMCA-agreements","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6687936-9cd996721c6d8c914df9ce16077a2910/orig.mp4?Expires=1771050794&Signature=E-sxi~yCgZbitGF~F1BFoJAoENaS1i~1W2KgskkdtMpcSIYyD2RBYsAelpZPrKK2~Gk11HBEooiGergaouYOJktHXOiK0t8JXaQxzlKff8D~TvouCxFgYJfoKDcnDi2LcXbts1jUrtUkTed1ACNgzlSPQNVj9kSAeEBA0DEt-8QLoC6D52Aq710xjl~vvQyP-6nm6KDR4~KO-efKGB9wwSDXrX6UspH~P1P65zFtOUmVr86PW7MNdTMyjNQ0VwPCBkmYz-wG~Q0i8M6aCYZqXLPJot~T33nkA65OSBruprpR5jydj3p99xZB84eR0Pv16V-LJ10yTuOOTxS4EWcdKw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Abington School District","date","2025-02-25T00:00:00Z","article","The Abington Board of School Directors on Feb. 25 authorized an amendment to the district’s Guaranteed Energy Savings Act (GESA) contract to replace damaged unit ventilators at Copper Beach Elementary School and to install digital controls districtwide, while also approving a series of routine financial and operating motions.

The facilities director, Bob Curtin, told the board the work responds to frozen coils and split, damaged units after recent extreme cold. The recommendation calls for demolition and replacement of 25 classroom unit ventilators and the installation of direct digital controls (DDC) on 74 units (65 vertical and 9 horizontal units). Curtin said replacement rather than repair was chosen because the existing units are more than 25 years old and replacement will be longer lasting.

Funding and operational impact
The superintendent noted Copper Beach lost about a day and a half of instruction because of the HVAC failures. Curtin said the project will be paid from the district’s 2024 obligation bond. He described the digital controls as a tool to remotely monitor and adjust building temperatures and dampers and to provide a “digital footprint” of building conditions that can prevent, or more quickly respond to, future outages.

Board members questioned whether tariffs or supply issues could affect future equipment costs; Curtin said current pricing reflects a temporary tariff pause but cautioned future tariff changes could raise prices.

Votes at a glance
- Personnel addenda (addenda 6.1, 6.1a, confidential 6.1b): approved (roll call)
- Financial report (period ending 01/31/2025): approved (roll call)
- Payment of bills (period ending 01/31/2025): approved (roll call)
- Permits for use of buildings and grounds (addendum 9.1): approved (roll call)
- Awards of contract (addendum 10.1): approved (replacement of eight 72‑passenger buses via capital lease; replacement electronic sign at Abington Senior High School funded largely by the Class of 2023)
- Agreement with Rooted Tree Productions Inc. for summer theater space (June 20–July 11): approved
- YMCA lease extension for before/after school care at seven elementary schools (one‑year extension): approved
- YMCA summer camp agreement for Copper Beach and Rydal elementary schools (projected charge $66,947.09 if fully utilized, prorated by actual use): approved
- Amendment to Guaranteed Energy Savings Act contract with CM3 (Copper Beach unit ventilator replacements and DDC controls): approved
- Confidential student matters (education service agreement): approved

All motions listed above passed on roll calls recorded during the meeting.

Why it matters: The HVAC amendment addresses a facilities failure that interrupted instruction and aims to reduce future disruptions. The YMCA and summer‑camp approvals continue contract relationships that provide before‑ and after‑school care for working families across the district.

Other details and discussion highlights
- Contracts: The board approved two contract awards: eight replacement 72‑passenger buses funded by a capital lease, and replacement of the Abington Senior High School electronic sign (the electronic component will be funded largely by the Abington Senior High School Class of 2023). Board members thanked the class for its contribution.

- YMCA programs: District staff said more than 550 kindergarten‑through‑fifth grade students use the YMCA before/after school program across seven elementary schools, and the Y provides a sliding fee scale and financial assistance. The YMCA also offers a 12‑month membership to participating students and a free membership for seventh graders.

- Rooted Tree Productions: The board authorized district space for the organization’s summer theater program from June 20 through July 11.

Speakers and roll calls
Key speakers on the HVAC item included Bob Curtin (director of facilities) and Dr. Fetcher (superintendent). Roll call votes were recorded for routine and contract motions and were announced as “the ayes have it” after unanimous or recorded affirmative responses from board members.

Speakers
- Bob Curtin — Director of Facilities, Abington School District (presented the GESA amendment)
- Dr. Fetcher — Superintendent, Abington School District (presented district positions and background)
- Christopher Lionetti — Chief Financial Officer, Abington School District (presented January financial summary)
- Mr. Leonetti — CFO (financial report presenter)
- Board members identified in roll calls: Mr. Allen; Mrs. Brown; Miss Eisenhart; Mr. Mohammed; Miss Balding; Miss Hartman; Miss Frazier; Miss Faizy; Dr. Mowery (board president); Miss Spalding; Miss Frasier; Miss Wu

Authorities
- type: contract; name/description: Guaranteed Energy Savings Act contract amendment with CM3; referenced_by: [\"Bob Curtin\",\"Dr. Fetcher\"]

Actions
- {\"kind\":\"motion\",\"identifiers\":{},\"motion\":\"Approve personnel addenda numbers 6.1, 6.1a and confidential addendum 6.1b\",\"mover\":\"not specified\",\"second\":\"Dr. Fetcher (recorded second on several motions)\",\"vote_record\":[],\"tally\":{\"yes\":11,\"no\":0,\"abstain\":0},\"legal_threshold\":{\"met\":true},\"outcome\":\"approved\",\"notes\":\"Roll call vote; retirement of John Silio noted\"}

- {\"kind\":\"motion\",\"identifiers\":{},\"motion\":\"Approve financial report for period ending 01/31/2025 (addendum 7.1)\",\"mover\":\"not specified\",\"second\":\"Dr. Fetcher\",\"vote_record\":[],\"tally\":{\"yes\":11,\"no\":0,\"abstain\":0},\"outcome\":\"approved\",\"notes\":\"CFO reported revenues ahead year‑to‑date; expenditures increased due to wages/benefits\"}

- {\"kind\":\"motion\",\"identifiers\":{},\"motion\":\"Approve payment of bills for period ending 01/31/2025 (addendum 8.1)\",\"mover\":\"not specified\",\"second\":\"Dr. Fetcher\",\"tally\":{\"yes\":11,\"no\":0,\"abstain\":0},\"outcome\":\"approved\",\"notes\":\"Roll call vote\"}

- {\"kind\":\"motion\",\"identifiers\":{},\"motion\":\"Approve permits for use of buildings and grounds (addendum 9.1)\",\"mover\":\"not specified\",\"second\":\"Dr. Fetcher\",\"tally\":{\"yes\":11,\"no\":0,\"abstain\":0},\"outcome\":\"approved\",\"notes\":\"Typical requests for meetings and school events\"}

- {\"kind\":\"contract_award\",\"identifiers\":{},\"motion\":\"Approve awards of contract (addendum 10.1) including replacement of eight 72‑passenger buses via capital lease and replacement of Abington Senior High School electronic sign\",\"mover\":\"not specified\",\"second\":\"Dr. Fetcher\",\"tally\":{\"yes\":11,\"no\":0,\"abstain\":0},\"outcome\":\"approved\",\"notes\":\"Electronic sign replacement funded largely by Class of 2023 donations\"}

- {\"kind\":\"other\",\"identifiers\":{},\"motion\":\"Authorize agreement with Rooted Tree Productions Inc. to provide district space for summer theater program (June 20–July 11)\",\"mover\":\"not specified\",\"second\":\"Dr. Fetcher\",\"tally\":{\"yes\":11,\"no\":0,\"abstain\":0},\"outcome\":\"approved\",\"notes\":\"Community theater program in district buildings\"}

- {\"kind\":\"other\",\"identifiers\":{},\"motion\":\"Authorize 1‑year extension to lease agreement with Greater Philadelphia YMCA (Willow Grove branch) for before/after school care at seven elementary schools\",\"mover\":\"not specified\",\"second\":\"Dr. Fetcher\",\"tally\":{\"yes\":11,\"no\":0,\"abstain\":0},\"outcome\":\"approved\",\"notes\":\"Y serves more than 550 K–5 students; sliding scale and financial assistance available\"}

- {\"kind\":\"other\",\"identifiers\":{},\"motion\":\"Authorize agreement with Greater Philadelphia YMCA for summer camp at Copper Beach and Rydal; projected charge $66,947.09 if fully utilized (prorated by use)\",\"mover\":\"not specified\",\"second\":\"Dr. Fetcher\",\"tally\":{\"yes\":11,\"no\":0,\"abstain\":0},\"outcome\":\"approved\",\"notes\":\"Camp hours 06:45 a.m.–6:15 p.m. to support working parents\"}

- {\"kind\":\"contract_award\",\"identifiers\":{},\"motion\":\"Amend GESA contract with CM3 to replace 25 unit ventilators and add DDC controls on 74 units at Copper Beach Elementary and perform related work\",\"mover\":\"not specified\",\"second\":\"Dr. Fetcher\",\"tally\":{\"yes\":11,\"no\":0,\"abstain\":0},\"outcome\":\"approved\",\"notes\":\"Funding from 2024 obligation bond; replaces units damaged by frozen coils; phased replacement plan for remaining units\"}

- {\"kind\":\"other\",\"identifiers\":{},\"motion\":\"Approve confidential student matters as reflected in addendum 15.1 (education service agreement)\",\"mover\":\"not specified\",\"second\":\"Dr. Fetcher\",\"tally\":{\"yes\":11,\"no\":0,\"abstain\":0},\"outcome\":\"approved\",\"notes\":\"Roll call\"}

Clarifying details
- {\"category\":\"HVAC units\",\"detail\":\"Replace 25 damaged classroom unit ventilators; install DDC on 74 units (65 vertical, 9 horizontal)\",\"value\":25,\"units\":\"units\",\"approximate\":false,\"source_speaker\":\"Bob Curtin\"}
- {\"category\":\"lost instruction\",\"detail\":\"Copper Beach missed about a day and a half of school due to HVAC failure\",\"value\":1.5,\"units\":\"days\",\"approximate\":true,\"source_speaker\":\"Board discussion\"}
- {\"category\":\"GESA funding\",\"detail\":\"Project to be paid for from the 2024 obligation bond\",\"source_speaker\":\"Bob Curtin\"}
- {\"category\":\"bus purchase\",\"detail\":\"Purchase of eight replacement 72‑passenger student transportation buses funded through capital lease\",\"source_speaker\":\"administration summary\"}
- {\"category\":\"electronic sign funding\",\"detail\":\"Replacement electronic component funded mostly by Abington Senior High School Class of 2023 donations\",\"source_speaker\":\"administration summary\"}

Proper names
- {\"name\":\"Abington School District\",\"type\":\"agency\"}
- {\"name\":\"Copper Beach Elementary School\",\"type\":\"facility\"}
- {\"name\":\"CM3\",\"type\":\"business\"}
- {\"name\":\"Rooted Tree Productions Inc.\",\"type\":\"organization\"}
- {\"name\":\"Greater Philadelphia YMCA – Willow Grove branch\",\"type\":\"organization\"}
- {\"name\":\"Abington Senior High School Class of 2023\",\"type\":\"other\"}

Community relevance
- geographies: [\"Abington Township\",\"Copper Beach\",\"Rydal\",\"Willow Grove\"],
- funding_sources: [\"2024 obligation bond\",\"capital lease\",\"community donations\"],
- impact_groups: [\"students at Copper Beach\",\"families using YMCA before/after care\",\"district transportation users\"]

Meeting context
- engagement_level: {\"speakers_count\":5,\"duration_minutes\":90,\"items_count\":12},
- implementation_risk\":\"low-to-medium\",\"history\":[{\"date\":\"Jan 2025\",\"note\":\"Unit ventilators experienced frozen coils during extreme cold; district explored repair vs replacement options\"}]

searchable_tags:[\"GESA\",\"HVAC\",\"Copper Beach\",\"YMCA\",\"buses\",\"Abington SD\",\"Rooted Tree\"],

provenance:{\"transcript_segments\":[{\"block_id\":\"3939\",\"local_start\":0,\"local_end\":600,\"evidence_excerpt\":\"Yes, madam president. It is a recommended action that the administration, in consultation with the solicitor, amend the current Giza contract with Centimeters 3 to include a scope of work for Copper Beach Elementary School, which includes demolition of 25 unit ventilators, provision and installation of 25 new unit ventilators, and new DDC controls on 74 units...\",\"global_start\":3939,\"global_end\":4539,\"tc_start\":\"01:05:39\",\"tc_end\":\"01:07:42\",\"text_sha256\":\"e3b0c44298fc1c149afbf4c8996fb92427ae41e4649b934ca495991b7852b855\",\"reason_code\":\"topicintro\"},{\"block_id\":\"4348\",\"local_start\":0,\"local_end\":200,\"evidence_excerpt\":\"Aye. The ayes have it and the motion passes.\",\"global_start\":4348,\"global_end\":4548,\"tc_start\":\"01:12:28\",\"tc_end\":\"01:13:17\",\"text_sha256\":\"e3b0c44298fc1c149afbf4c8996fb92427ae41e4649b934ca495991b7852b855\",\"reason_code\":\"topicfinish\"}]}
","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","February 25, 2025 Meeting of the Abington Board of School Directors","oneSentenceSummary","The Abington Board approved an amendment to its Guaranteed Energy Savings Act contract to replace 25 damaged unit ventilators at Copper Beach and add digital controls to 74 units, funded from the 2024 obligation bond. The board also approved multiple routine items including personnel, financial reports, bus purchases and YMCA facility agreements.","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},6687941,"Parents warn cuts to federal funding threaten special‑education services; district outlines contingency steps",652,1853000,2505000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2705113-10115a60709909ec26d3acffc0a0d8b8&start=1853&end=2505","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2705113-10115a60709909ec26d3acffc0a0d8b8/thumbnail_1853000.jpg","/articles/6687941/Pennsylvania/Parents-warn-cuts-to-federal-funding-threaten-specialeducation-services-district-outlines-contingency-steps","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6687941-dd4d01cd9f3f4a68e519b5be373a4d10/orig.mp4?Expires=1771050794&Signature=d2Ph3vTw52avIIrPQsnUsOhwBgNmK7pOEhBJQC~C4fIlij8oMAvP5Skg-qVG9bcKtOFW6ajRa7GUhnA~IDifEksJ5RIcVkALpJRxUEYvaxasANg9S3OU7zlzNwHFmrTUahsF1CPJEw4xuHhGrpV2dhKhMMI5q~qwVuTVb2zntXuXy~xOLFvDhP5i8I0bcLtvq-3LZgDrxlyQGfqfeTopw9h4EqXblx74rcvYC1wc4ccLfEE7O4pPl0W45i4VxN7cKXogS6xWvUy3g7BhGJJ3bjp6MM4LxivfsRgGGf4c8lija~bd3vMIJdBDDoHsIrmmULHzLnvFHYyf4DA6qFxUMw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Parents and other residents pressed the Abington Board of School Directors on Feb. 25 to explain contingency plans in case federal cuts to Medicaid and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) reduce funding for special education services.

At the start of the public‑comment period, Mahasweta Dutt of Glenside described her son’s reliance on speech and occupational therapy at Highland Elementary and warned that proposed federal reductions would “threaten access to therapies like speech, occupational, and physical therapy,” services she said are “critical for students to succeed in school.” Brett Brian and other parents echoed those concerns during the meeting’s first public‑comment block.

The board’s superintendent, identified in meeting remarks as Dr. Fetcher, said the district is preparing analysis and conducting outreach to legislators. “The Individuals with Disability Act funding is about $1,700,000 of our operating budget and our school‑based access program is $850,000,” Dr. Fetcher told the board, adding that roughly 1,580 students could be affected by programs tied to those funds. He said the district has met with state and federal legislators and will provide parents with detailed budget information on request so they can advocate on the issue.

Why it matters: Federal funding contributes to—but does not fully fund—special‑education programs that districts must provide under federal law. Parents said they need clear, rapid communication from the district about contingency plans so families can plan if services change.

Discussion and district response
Dr. Fetcher described multiple steps the district has taken: preparing a budget analysis to estimate the local impact of potential federal cuts; meeting with legislators, including Representative Sanchez and a meeting being scheduled with Senator Haywood; and consulting the district solicitor and chief financial officer on legal and financial implications. He told parents the district would consider reallocating existing funds or using fund balance to maintain services if reductions occur, but said many questions remain unanswered because no federal action is final.

Special‑education parent leaders present at the Special Education Parent Advisory Council (CPAC) meeting the night before had compiled questions that district supervisors are answering, the meeting heard. CPAC was described during the meeting as a four‑times‑a‑year forum for families of children with IEPs and 504 plans; district staff said they email parents in advance of CPAC meetings.

Public advocacy urged
Multiple board members and parents urged families to contact elected officials. Caller Jen Purtell said local members of Congress have been responsive, but that reaching senators has been difficult. Several board members said they will continue to press legislators and encouraged parents to do the same.

Related community context and honors
The meeting also recognized student volunteers and first responders who aided the community response to a recent fire at SPS Technologies. Kenneth Lawyer, an Abington Senior High School senior and student at Eastern Center for Arts and Technology, was honored as Eastern’s January student of the month for his work in the protective services program and for volunteering with local fire companies. Several board members and speakers linked the students’ actions to the same community spirit parents called on to preserve services for students with disabilities.

What was not decided
No formal board vote was taken on federal funding at the meeting. Board members emphasized they are preparing information and outreach, but said the district cannot predict federal decisions. Specific operational changes to IEP‑level services were not announced and were described as contingent on future federal action.

Speakers
- Mahasweta Dutt — Parent, Glenside (citizen speaker)
- Brett Brian — Parent/Commenter, Roslyn (citizen speaker)
- Jen Purtell — Resident, Glenside (citizen speaker)
- Dr. Fetcher — Superintendent (district administrator)
- Miss Capitola — Special education supervisor (district staff; CPAC liaison)
- Board members who spoke (identified in the transcript by name): Mr. Allen; Mrs. Brown; Miss Eisenhart; Mr. Mohammed; Miss Balding; Miss Hartman; Miss Frazier; Miss Faizy; Miss Spalding; Miss Frasier; Miss Wu
- Kenneth Lawyer — Student (honoree)

Authorities
- type: statute; name/description: Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA); referenced_by: [\"Mahasweta Dutt\",\"Brett Brian\",\"Dr. Fetcher\"]
- type: other; name/description: Medicaid; referenced_by: [\"Mahasweta Dutt\",\"Brett Brian\",\"Dr. Fetcher\"]
- type: policy; name/description: Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE); referenced_by: [\"Mahasweta Dutt\"]

Clarifying details
- {\"category\":\"IDEA funding\",\"detail\":\"IDEA funding to the district noted as about $1,700,000\",\"value\":1700000}
- {\"category\":\"school-based access program\",\"detail\":\"School‑based access program funding noted as about $850,000\",\"value\":850000}
- {\"category\":\"students potentially affected\",\"detail\":\"District estimate given as about 1,580 students\",\"value\":1580}
- {\"category\":\"special-ed total budget\",\"detail\":\"District stated special‑education program budget is about $24,000,000\",\"value\":24000000}

Community relevance
- geographies: [\"Abington Township\",\"Glenside\",\"Roslyn\",\"Willow Grove\"]
- impact_groups: [\"students with disabilities\",\"parents of students with IEPs/504 plans\",\"elementary school families\"]
- funding_sources: [\"IDEA\",\"Medicaid\",\"local property tax\"]

Meeting context
- engagement_level: {\"speakers_count\":9,\"duration_minutes\":~90,\"items_count\":multiple}
- implementation_risk: \"medium\"
- history: [{\"date\":\"2025-02-24\",\"note\":\"CPAC met and compiled parent questions\"}]

Searchable_tags:[\"special education\",\"IDEA\",\"Medicaid\",\"CPAC\",\"Abington SD\",\"parent advocacy\",\"Kenneth Lawyer\",\"SPS fire\"],

provenance:{\"transcript_segments\":[{\"block_id\":\"1853\",\"local_start\":0,\"local_end\":589,\"evidence_excerpt\":\"My name is Mahasweta Dutt. I'm from Glenside in Abington...These cuts threaten access to therapies like speech, occupational, and physical therapy, services that are critical for students to succeed in school and make meaningful progress in life.\",\"reason_code\":\"topicintro\"},{\"block_id\":\"2379\",\"local_start\":0,\"local_end\":803,\"evidence_excerpt\":\"Thank you, Doctor. Mowery. I would like to take a moment just to speak to the federal financial assistance...the Individuals with Disability Act funding is about $1,700,000 of our operating budget and our school based access program is $850,000...we have about 1,580 students who would be affected by this funding based on individuals with disability act.\",\"reason_code\":\"topicfinish\"}]}
","Parents at the Abington Board of School Directors meeting urged the district to prepare for possible federal cuts to Medicaid and IDEA funding. District leaders described outreach to legislators and preliminary budget analyses and said they would use local fund balance or reallocate funds if necessary.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Board approves HVAC replacements after freeze damage; also OKs personnel, contracts and YMCA agreements

Parents warn cuts to federal funding threaten special‑education services; district outlines contingency steps