Abington Heights officials plan alternate bid for middle school gym amid rising bid risk

At its March 19 meeting, the Abington Heights School District board heard public comment and a superintendent briefing about the proposed middle school renovation and how the district plans to manage construction cost and interest‑rate risks.

The discussion matters because rising bid risk and tariffs are affecting the local construction market; district leaders said prioritizing instructional spaces and using an alternate bid for the gym would give the board flexibility if prices climb.

Board member Ms. Karam, reporting for the finance committee, said advisors narrowed financing options this winter from roughly 40 scenarios to six and then down to two or three options the committee will recommend after bids and updated cost information are available. "Our goal at that meeting was to essentially evaluate our interest rate risks," she said, adding the committee postponed a…