Ambridge board amends and adopts resolution to authorize up to $12 million for New Horizon remediation; several facilities votes follow

The Ambridge Area School District board voted on Nov. 12, 2025, to amend and adopt a resolution authorizing the Beaver Valley Intermediate Unit No. 27 to incur debt of up to $12,000,000 to remediate mold and asbestos at New Horizon School.

President Carpenter moved to amend the draft resolution’s ceiling from $20,000,000 to "not to exceed $12,000,000," saying, "I'd like to make a motion to replace 20,000,000 with 12,000,000, in both, numerals and letters." A motion to amend received a second and passed on roll call. The board then approved Resolution 252606 as amended, which the reading described as authorizing the BVIU to incur debt not to exceed $12,000,000 for remediation of mold and asbestos at the New Horizon School building.

Why it matters: Board members and members of the public spent substantial time questioning the size and scope of the project, the timeline for repairs, whether insurance or grants could cover portions of the work, and whether less‑expensive remediation options would allow students to return safely. Missus Romasco, who said she had been involved in intermediate‑unit discussions, told the board, "Any 1 of those lesser options would provide enough remediation for them to move back into a safe environment." Several board members expressed support for keeping the school open while seeking a lower overall district share of cost.

Votes at a glance - New Horizon School Resolution (Resolution 252606) — Amended to a not‑to‑exceed amount of $12,000,000; motion to amend moved by President Carpenter, seconded by a board member; amendment passed on roll call and the resolution was approved as amended. Recorded roll‑call responses during the final vote included: Missus Paragonia (Yes), Missus Fisher (Yes), Missus Fitsco (Yes), Missus Kehoe (Yes), Mister Kovesovic (No), Missus Romasco (Yes), Scott (No), Mister Thaci (No), President Carpenter (Yes). Motion carried. - Softball field resurfacing (DuraEdge, $16,764) — Approved (roll call recorded a majority yes; motion carried). - Visitor bleacher Option 1 (1,298 seats, $590,230) — Motion to approve failed on roll call. - Visitor bleacher Option 2 (1,580 seats, $736,575) — Motion to approve failed on roll call. - Building & Grounds items 4–7 — Motion to table items 4 through 7 for further pricing and options, and to explore drainage/grass options; motion to table passed on roll call.

What the board said: During the discussion, members repeatedly emphasized student safety and the desire to keep New Horizon operating. One board member who opposed the final dollar amount said, "I actually am saying no ... I want them to stay open, but I think that amount is extremely high," reflecting concerns about the district’s share of long‑term financing.

Budget, grants and timeline: Board members asked administration whether grants (UPMC, county grants, NFL or others discussed) were pending and whether awarding a contract before grant decisions could affect eligibility for reimbursement. Staff said some grant decisions weren’t open or decisions were pending; members noted the risk that spending before grant awards could reduce the likelihood of reimbursement.

Next steps: The board approved the amended resolution at the Nov. 12 meeting and directed follow‑up on facilities pricing and grant status. Several facility items remain tabled pending further pricing and review.

The meeting also included routine personnel approvals, multiple first readings of policy updates, and public comments on transportation and bus‑related communication.