The Abington Board of School Directors approved the second reading of a board policy titled Responsible Contractor Policy at its Oct. 14 meeting at the Administration Building. The motion, listed in addendum 9.1, passed by roll call with all members voting yes.

The policy clarifies how the district will define a “project” for bidding and establishes a workforce standard requiring that 70% of the labor force be journeymen graduated from registered apprenticeship programs or laborers currently enrolled in registered apprenticeship programs. The second reading added a definition of “project” intended to prevent breaking work into smaller bids to avoid thresholds and clarified that the 70% calculation centers on registered apprenticeship completion or active participation.

Board leaders and administration framed the policy as a measure to ensure trained, qualified labor on large capital projects funded by taxpayers. A board member said the policy “will provide the district with qualified, trained craftsmen to lead the work for an investment that the community has indicated as necessary and wanted.” Doctor Fetcher, speaking for administration, said the policy’s language was drafted in consultation with the solicitor’s office and described the changes made since the prior reading.

Public commenters were divided. John Spiegelman, who identified himself as a resident of Highland Farms and a supporter, urged the board to approve the policy and said it “offers protections in so many different ways, including financial, for every family, every student, every taxpayer.” By contrast, Joe Rooney, an Ardsley resident, urged the board to delay the vote and asked for more information on likely cost impacts and which contractors would be excluded, citing concerns about the effects on contractors that worked on the prior high school project.

Board members noted that union labor that meets the apprenticeship requirements would qualify under the policy. Administration also emphasized that the policy as written allows for bidders to qualify if they meet the stated apprenticeship and journeyman criteria, and that registered apprenticeship programs are the metric used for the 70% workforce threshold.

The board approved the policy by roll call. The vote recorded the following ayes: Mister Allen; Miss Eisenhart; Mister Mohammed; Miss Balding; Miss Frazier; Miss Fazie; Doctor Mowery; and others present. The policy will be posted in board policy records on BoardDocs and is available with the meeting materials.

Supporters described the measure as “taxpayer protection” and as a means to secure trained labor for the district’s capital investment. Opponents and questioners asked administration to provide additional cost modeling and a clearer list of which local contractors could be affected before future applications of the policy.

The board did not revise the substance of the policy beyond the clarifications presented at second reading; the motion passed as presented.