Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Board Actions topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Hatboro‑Horsham board approves audit acknowledgement, $5 million transfer, capital projects and multiple policy first readings
Summary
At its Jan. 27 legislative action meeting the Hatboro‑Horsham School District board acknowledged an unqualified 2023–24 audit, approved a $5,000,000 one‑time transfer to the capital reserve, approved capital projects and first readings of five policies, and approved agreements including a school bus stop‑arm camera program.
The Hatboro‑Horsham School District Board of School Directors on Jan. 27 moved forward on a suite of fiscal, facilities, personnel and policy items, including acknowledgement of an unqualified independent audit, a one‑time $5,000,000 transfer from the general fund to the capital reserve fund, several capital projects and the first readings of five policies. Several items were approved by voice vote; a contested roll call took place only on the first reading of revised policy 308.
Key actions at a glance
- Audit: The board acknowledged receipt of the district’s 2023–24 independent audit report, which contained an unqualified opinion that the financial statements were fairly presented. (Motion made by David Brown; second Theresa Brown; approved.)
- One‑time operating transfer: The board approved a one‑time operating transfer of $5,000,000 from the general fund to the capital reserve fund. (Motion presented as part of finance committee items; mover: Theresa Brown; second: DJ Schultz; approved.)
- Capital projects and facilities items: The board approved the purchase of dedicated outdoor air system units for Hollowell Elementary School, two 2025 summer capital projects (bleacher repairs at Steinle Stadium and high school tennis court repairs) to be paid from the capital reserve fund, and ratified allowance adjustments for the Keith Valley building project. (Motion by Tara Connor Halston; second Maggie Kissner; approved.)
- Bus stop‑arm camera program: The board approved an agreement with Board Bus Patrol to implement a stop‑arm camera program on school buses to record violations during student pick‑up and drop‑off. (Approved as part of finance committee items.)
- Tax and finance items: The board approved commitments and assignments for the 2023–24 ending general fund balance; adopted an Act 1 opt‑out resolution certifying it will not increase tax rates by more than the Act 1 index; approved the Eastern Center for Arts and Technology 2025–26 budget resolution; approved a tax assessment stipulation resulting in a refund to the district of more than $107,000; approved elected tax collector compensation in accordance with state law; approved disposal/trade‑in of an obsolete school bus; updated the IRS mileage reimbursement rate; and approved tuition expense recommendations under PDE form 4605 for out‑of‑district placements. (All approved as presented.)
- Human resources: The board approved the monthly human resources action items. The board congratulated Madeline Riley, appointed as a school counselor at Hatboro‑Horsham High School. (Motion by David Brown; second Aaron Stroup; approved.)
- Curriculum: The board approved the K‑12 guidance plan, which the administration will submit to the Pennsylvania Department of Education prior to a stated submission deadline. (Motion by David Brown; second Susan Hunsinger Hoff; approved.)
- Policies: The board approved first readings of five policies (revised policies 308, 805, 823 and 918 and a new policy 829). The first reading of revised policy 308 (employee contract/board resolution) drew the most discussion and passed on a roll call vote of 6–3; the other policies advanced on first reading with voice votes and are expected for a second reading and final adoption at the Feb. 24 board meeting.
- Special services: The board approved a settlement agreement under special services action items. (Motion by David Brown; second Susan Hunsinger Hoff; approved.)
Procedural notes: Many items were moved as committee recommendations; most passed by voice vote after motions and seconds were recorded in the meeting. The only recorded roll call vote reported in the transcript was for the first reading of revised policy 308, which carried 6–3.
Ending: Board members and administrators noted the approvals will allow the district to proceed with planned capital work and policy review; administrators said they will continue to submit required documentation to state agencies where applicable.
