Bristol Township School Board reviews summer facilities work, hears academic gains and approves contracts, tax forgiveness

The Bristol Township School District board on Aug. 18, 2025, received reports on extensive summer facilities work, heard that Advanced Placement performance at Truman High School has risen substantially, and approved a series of agreements, personnel items and a tax-forgiveness request by unanimous vote.

Superintendent Nitti opened the meeting by previewing the start of the 2025–26 school year, saying, "I hope everyone has had an enjoyable summer as we prepare for the start of the 2526 school year," and noting new-teacher induction and staff preparations ahead of students' return on Tuesday, Sept. 2. The board also held an executive session before the meeting; solicitor Ben Hauser said that session covered "litigation regarding the IMC versus Bristol Township School District matter, a pending grievance arbitration, informational matters on personnel, real estate with respect to the FDR property, and other" updates.

Why it matters: the board approved operational and financial actions needed to start the school year and reviewed capital and maintenance work that affects building safety and classroom readiness, while academic- and partnership-related items could directly affect seniors' postsecondary options.

Facilities and maintenance Michael, speaking for the facilities and operations committee, outlined a long list of summer projects completed or in progress. Highlights included repainting and installation of a new gym floor and bleachers at Ben Franklin Middle School; installation of French drains and exterior waterproofing to address a foundation leak at the same building; major exterior work at Armstrong Middle School including tree and shrub removal, repainting and new LED lighting; gym resurfacing, new wall pads and conversion of some spaces at Truman; removal of D-wing lockers and new exterior vinyl soffits; a new kitchen in the special-education wing (D5) with new cabinets, sinks and appliances; replacement of air filters and cleaning/sanitizing of coils districtwide; and rebuilding a leaking water meter and backflow preventer at Keystone. Michael said crews completed hundreds of work orders over June and July and emphasized custodial and maintenance staff efforts.

Academic programs and partnerships Amy Coleman, chief academic officer, reported that Truman High School's Advanced Placement performance has improved sharply over four years, rising to a 78% pass rate this year. Coleman said more students are taking AP courses and that 20 students earned AP Scholar recognition, with several earning honors and distinction. The district will re-enter an enrollment partnership with Bucks County Community College to provide participating seniors free tuition and books; Coleman also noted upcoming purchases and renewals on the agenda including a social-studies textbook renewal, a MasteryConnect renewal and a proposed purchase of an AI tool tied to a PA Smart grant application and Verizon innovation-lab courses. Coleman described the AI product as FERPA compliant and designed to prevent training of external AI models.

Finance, agreements and personnel Treasurer John reported a cash concentration account balance of $7,222,738.72 and investment-account balances totaling $18,427,653.16 as of July 31, 2025. The board approved the treasurer's report subject to audit and approved routine payroll and bills for June and July.

The board approved multiple formal items by unanimous vote, including a settlement agreement (details not specified in the public portion of the transcript), an agreement between the district and a Bucks County entity referenced as "Bucks County U22" (as presented), the "source for nurses" agreement for the 2025–26 school year (the district will continue providing three days of nursing coverage with the partner covering the other two days), and an agreement regarding nurse coverage for Conwell Egan High School. The board also approved a new job description for an assistant director of food services.

Property and tax forgiveness The board approved a tax forgiveness request from Bristol Township for $11,940.61 on the former Washington School site, which the minutes show the township acquired on June 24, 2024. Board discussion noted that the site is in a flood zone and has been described as unbuildable and intended for parks and recreational use; the board recorded that tax forgiveness will be considered on a year-by-year basis and that the township currently owns the site.

Votes at a glance (selected) - Approve minutes of the June 24, 2025 meeting: motion carried 8–0. - Approve treasurer's report (subject to audit): motion carried 8–0. - Approve settlement agreement (details not specified in public record): motion carried 8–0. - Approve agreement between "Bucks County U22" and Bristol Township SD: motion carried 8–0. - Approve "source for nurses" agreement for 2025–26: motion carried 8–0. - Approve tax forgiveness for Bristol Township on former Washington School site ($11,940.61): motion carried 8–0. - Approve new assistant director of food services job description: motion carried 8–0.

What’s next The board's next regular meeting was announced for Monday, Sept. 15, 2025. Several committee meetings and curriculum items were scheduled in September, including a curriculum committee meeting on Sept. 11 and forthcoming schoolwide plans to be posted and presented at the September meeting.

(Details above are based on board members' reports and motions recorded in the public portion of the Aug. 18, 2025 meeting.)