School board approves audit, construction change orders and contracts; greenlights RFP for food service

The Haverford Township School District Board of School Directors approved a package of administrative and procurement actions during its Jan. 23 regular meeting, including acceptance of the district’s 2023–24 independent audit and several construction and service contracts and authorizations.

The board voted unanimously to accept the 2023–24 independent audit as presented by Withum/Smith+Brown (the auditor’s representative discussed the report during the superintendent’s report). The auditor gave the district an unmodified opinion on the financial statements for the year ended June 30, 2024 and said the audited statements “were fairly presented,” with no current-year material weaknesses or significant deficiencies found (a typographical reference to a prior year item was noted and will be corrected). The board accepted the report with the understanding the minor editorial corrections will be incorporated.

In construction and facilities business, the board authorized change orders totaling $40,613.10 related to Chatham Park project work; the district’s owner’s representative described the items as routine unforeseen conditions, signage, and a contractor back-charge that net to zero. The board also approved a professional-services proposal for elevator work at Chatham Park: a contract with Tri-State Elevator Company totaling $104,290.

On procurement policy, the board authorized staff to solicit a request for proposals (RFP) for a food service management company. Administration said the district is in the final renewal year with the current contractor and Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) review of the RFP is required before advertisement. The PDE template prescribes scoring categories (including a cost component), and administration outlined a timeline that would put submission of proposals in April and a board-level decision before the new school year.

Other approvals included ratifying the district’s engagement of outside counsel Mullen Coughlin LLC to advise on a PowerSchool cybersecurity event; acceptance of three charitable donations totaling $13,037.33 (a $10,000 donation to clear student lunch debt; $3,012.33 from the America Italy Society to support world language activities; and $25 to a PATH program fundraiser); and the board’s acceptance of several human-resources motions (resignations, retirements, appointments and leaves) listed on the agenda.

The board also approved: the 2025–26 Haverford High School course selection guide; an affiliation agreement with Drexel University to host school-psychologist interns; adoption of Policy 915 on booster clubs and organizations (final reading and adoption); and three trustee appointments to the Delaware County Community College board (the trustee vote was recorded by roll call and passed).

Where votes were taken by voice, the board recorded “Aye” and the motions passed; the trustee appointments were approved by roll call. Several agenda items had limited discussion; staff noted standard review processes (PDE review for the food-service RFP) or that contingency remained in active capital project budgets. The meeting concluded after public comment and customary closing items.

Votes at a glance: minutes and routine approvals, change orders $40,613.10 (approved), Tri-State Elevator contract $104,290 (approved), charitable donations $13,037.33 (accepted), accept 2023–24 independent audit (approved), authorize RFP for food-service management (approved pending PDE review), ratify Mullen Coughlin engagement for PowerSchool cyber incident review (approved), adopt Policy 915 (approved), approve Drexel affiliation and other HR items (approved).