Abington board votes to put $285 million middle‑school referendum on May primary ballot

The Abington Board of School Directors voted unanimously Jan. 28 to place a referendum on the May 20, 2025 primary ballot asking residents to approve up to $285,000,000 in electoral debt to finance construction of a new Abington Middle School.

The resolution, read into the record by board member Miss Hartman and seconded by Dr. Fetcher, directs the district to coordinate with the county Board of Elections to ask electors whether the district “shall debt in the sum of $285,000,000 for the purpose of financing the construction of a new Abington Middle School.” Mr. O'Donohue reviewed the statutory process and said the form of the ballot question is governed by state statute.

Why it matters: The vote advances a multi‑year planning process that district leaders say responds to building age, accessibility and instructional limitations in the existing middle‑school facility. If voters approve the question in May, the district would be authorized to incur debt up to the stated amount to build a new school; if voters reject it, the district will not take on that debt and will revisit options.

Board discussion and public comment filled much of the meeting. Dozens of residents and parents urged support for a new building, citing accessibility, modern classrooms and long‑term community value. John Spiegelman, an Abington Township commissioner, said the middle school is “time to make this very significant investment,” and called the project an investment in future property values. Several parents and students said the current building’s temperature swings, lack of daylight and aging systems hamper learning. Student board member Selena Wu, introduced earlier in the meeting as the board’s first student representative, also spoke at the meeting.

Opposition and fiscal concerns surfaced in public comment. Joe Rooney of Ardsley warned the board about borrowing costs and potential burdens on fixed‑income residents, calculating a long‑term tax effect and urging the administration to justify affordability. Caller Gene Geld and other speakers raised state‑level budget concerns and questioned whether the district and vendors had properly constrained project costs.

Administrators responded to questions about process and costs. Mr. O'Donohue said the resolution follows Pennsylvania’s Local Government Unit Debt Act and sets the referendum mechanics; Dr. Fetcher and other administrators pledged to continue public outreach and post updated material on the district microsite. Board members emphasized that the $285 million figure represents a statutory ceiling, not an exact contract price, and that any issuance would be subject to subsequent financing decisions and market conditions. Board member Mr. Allen said, “This is the maximum that this project could be. It could come in cheaper.”

Votes at a glance: At the same meeting the board also approved multiple routine and project items by roll call. Highlights include: approval of the personnel addendum (passed, roll‑call ayes), acceptance of the financial report for the period ending Nov. 30, 2024 (passed), approval of payment of bills for Nov. 30 and Dec. 31, 2024 (passed), permission to advertise bids (access control for up to 34 doors, fiber‑optic MAN services, McKinley floor replacement and HVAC upgrades, and a wheelchair‑accessible 9‑passenger van) (passed), and awards of contracts including a capital lease for one 30‑passenger bus and the long‑planned elementary playground renovations (passed). The board also rejected bids related to replacement 72‑passenger buses due to inventory and specification issues (rejection approved). The board approved the Eastern Center for Arts and Technology operating budget and capital assessment as reflected in the meeting addendum (passed). See the actions[] section below for vote tallies and motion language.

What’s next: The resolution places the referendum question on the May 20, 2025 primary ballot for Abington Township and Rockledge Borough electors. District leaders said they will continue to publish updated cost and design information, host outreach events and keep the community informed on financing scenarios ahead of the vote.

“Please take part in this community decision,” Dr. Fetcher said during the meeting. "We want everyone to be informed decision makers."