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Residents press Pennsbury on ESSER-funded webcams; district cites federal rules and plans a limited sale test
Summary
Residents raised concerns Aug. 21 about the district’s inventory of webcams and whether ESSER-funded equipment can be sold; the district said federal rules allow disposal of equipment under guidance at 2 C.F.R. § 200.1 and said it will test-market 50 webcams to determine fair market value.
Pennsbury School Board Aug. 21, 2025
Residents pressed the Pennsbury School Board on Aug. 21 for an accounting of hundreds of webcams and other equipment purchased with federal ESSER funds and questioned plans to sell surplus items.
Public concerns: Robert Abrams of Lower Makefield Township told the board the district had bought 725 webcams for $163,125 and asked for a full inventory before any sale. “You were told they were bought with ESSER funds. It is illegal to use federal funds and then go sell them and take the money,” Abrams said, and asked the board to table the item.
District response: District staff and a board member explained federal guidance allows disposal of equipment purchased with federal funds when items are no longer needed. The district solicitor cited the Code of Federal Regulations, saying that if the fair market value per unit is less than $5,000 the district may sell or dispose of equipment without additional obligation to the U.S. Department of Education, pointing to 2 C.F.R. § 200.1.
Inventory and next steps: Board and staff said assets are tracked with asset tags and that the district is conducting an inventory. The district said it would put 50 units on the market initially “as a test balloon” to determine fair market value and next steps for disposition, and that staff will continue reconciling asset records.
What residents want: Speakers asked for a public inventory and for board oversight of any sale proceeds. Several commenters also asked that the district not reduce available equipment for classrooms or instructional needs.
Ending: The board allowed a procurement item about webcams to remain on the agenda after members pulled other line items for separate discussion; the district said it will continue to reconcile asset tags and report back to the board.
