Abington Heights holds Act 34 hearing on proposed middle school addition; board previously set $28.8 million maximum building cost

Abington Heights School District officials held an Act 34 public hearing to present a proposed addition and renovation plan for Abington Heights Middle School and to explain projected costs, financing and expected tax impacts.

The district’s consultant team described a two‑story academic addition that would house seventh- and eighth‑grade classrooms, science labs and STEM space; a larger gymnasium; a new main entrance and parking area; and targeted renovations to existing music, art and STEM classrooms. District professionals said the plan aims to address accessibility, classroom size and building systems that the presenters characterized as undersized or outdated.

The project’s scope and cost matter because the board previously adopted project budgets and a maximum building construction cost that set the framework for bidding and potential taxpayer impact. The board adopted a total project amount of $48,489,992 and a maximum building construction cost of $28,755,675 at its Feb. 5, 2025 meeting; under state Act 34 requirements, the district must hold the public hearing to present the PlanCon documents and allow public comment.

Architect Michael Kelly of KCBA Architects described the design shown to the public: a gray‑shaded, two‑story classroom addition to the right of the existing half‑circle building, a new secure main entrance off the new parking area, an enlarged gymnasium, and courtyard spaces formed where the new and old buildings meet. "The new main entry will provide main entrance to the entire school complex, directly off the new parking area," Kelly said. He said all new classrooms will have natural light and district…