Hatboro‑Horsham board hears progress report on Keith Valley construction; district capital plan summarized

David Brown, facilities committee member, told the Hatboro‑Horsham School District Board of School Directors on Feb. 10 that construction of the new Keith Valley Middle School remains on schedule and within budget.

The project update presented photos and a timeline showing exterior and interior finishes largely complete, mechanical and electrical systems installed, and upcoming work including wood paneling in the auditorium, gym floor installation, and pool perimeter concrete placement. “Bottom line, the project is on schedule,” Brown said. He listed intermediate dates including elevator readiness around April 24, fire alarm completion around March 17, district administration move‑in around May 15, and a target for substantial completion in June 2025, while noting some dates could shift.

The presentation by the district and construction representatives also covered summer 2025 capital projects, procurement plans for paving at the high school, and other site work. Bill Hambly, who spoke for the construction team, described mechanical, plumbing and electrical rough‑ins as complete in many areas and said final inspections and finishes are underway. Jamie Lynch, identified in the agenda as construction manager from CHA, was referenced as arriving en route to the meeting.

Consultants from the Schroeder Group summarized the district’s capital improvement plan (CIP), which ranks projects by a logic matrix that considers educational impact, physical condition, age, energy and code issues. The consultant said three newer district buildings reduce near‑term renewal needs but that Blair Mill and Simmons elementary schools show higher upcoming renovation priorities. The consultant estimated total facility replacement value in excess of $400 million and noted a recommended reinvestment benchmark of about 1.5% of replacement value (roughly $6 million annually for this district), while acknowledging most districts fall below that target.

Board members asked about timelines for reclaiming on‑site athletic fields and tennis courts; staff said the district is “cautiously optimistic” tennis courts could be available this fall and committed to including athletic‑field timing in the next project review. The full CIP report will be distributed electronically to board members for review, the consultant said.

No formal vote was taken; the presentation was informational. The facilities team said change orders total about 0.4% to date and that the project remains on budget.