Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Land Acquisition topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Hatboro‑Horsham board approves purchase of parcel adjacent to Hallowell Elementary for $325,000
Summary
The Hatboro‑Horsham School District Board voted 5–3 on Nov. 24 to buy a roughly 0.6‑acre parcel at 890 Easton Road for $325,000 to preserve expansion options adjacent to Hallowell Elementary; the purchase will be paid from the district’s capital reserve and settlement is expected within 30 days.
On Nov. 24, the Hatboro‑Horsham School District Board of School Directors approved the purchase of a roughly 0.6‑acre parcel adjacent to Hallowell Elementary School at 890 Easton Road for $325,000. The board recorded a 5–3 vote on the agreement of sale.
Superintendent Dr. Eslock told the board the property came to the district’s attention months earlier and that administration completed an appraisal and due diligence before recommending purchase. “If approved, the district will purchase the property for $325,000,” he said, adding the money will come from the district’s capital reserve fund and settlement would be scheduled within 30 days.
Administrators framed the acquisition as a strategic opportunity: it preserves land for possible future expansion of the elementary school, could provide options for alternative fueling needs for the district’s bus fleet, and prevents development next to a school that might not align with district interests. The administration said the purchase price is below the appraised value obtained for the parcel.
The motion for the agreement of sale passed on a roll‑call vote: Theresa Brown (Yes), Tara Connor Halston (No), Susan Hunsinger Hoff (Yes), Maggie Kisner (No), DJ Schultz (Yes), Aaron Whelan (No), David Brown (Yes), Jennifer Wilson (Yes). The board reconvened the item later in the meeting to correct parliamentary procedure and again carried the item 5–3.
Next steps described by administration include scheduling settlement within 30 days if all documents are executed and assigning the operations team to restore the property after closing. No specific construction or program timeline was announced.
The board did not identify a final use for the parcel at the meeting; administration said retaining the land provides flexibility for future options and protects the school site from incompatible development.
