Abington Heights band boosters ask district to review plan to replace 23–26-year-old uniforms
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Summary
At the Jan. 7 Abington Heights School Board meeting, a band boosters co-president asked the district to review a proposal to replace marching and dance-front uniforms that the boosters say are 23–26 years old; boosters offered to contribute about 10–12% toward the cost and noted a 7–8 month manufacturing lead time.
Tamzin Reese, co-president of the Abington Heights Marching Comets boosters, told the school board on Jan. 7 that the boosters want the district to review a plan to replace the marching band’s and dance front’s aging uniforms.
"Our current uniforms are between 23 and 26 years old," Reese said. She described two years of booster leadership, recent fundraising efforts including a bingo fundraiser and participation in community events, and the boosters’ role in expanding program opportunities. Reese said the boosters are prepared to contribute "approximately 10 to 12%" toward new uniforms and asked administration for guidance on next steps.
Reese introduced the incoming booster presidents, Romaine Astolfi and Carrie O'Reilly, and said the group has worked with principals, vice principals and vendors to select durable, comfortable designs that preserve the program’s identity. She noted manufacturing lead time of "approximately 7 to 8 months," saying that moving forward quickly would allow new uniforms to be ready for the upcoming season.
Reese also described growth in the dance-front program (from four to 24 participants) and volunteer support that helped expand opportunities. She invited board members and administrators to review material samples after the meeting.
The district did not take formal action on the request during the meeting; Reese said the matter had been placed "in the hands of the administration for further review and guidance on next steps." The boosters remained available after the meeting to show fabric samples and answer questions.
If the administration recommends proceeding, the board would decide whether to allocate district funds, accept booster contributions, or pursue other financing. The boosters’ timeline and partial contribution offer mean any district decision in the coming weeks could affect whether new uniforms arrive in time for next fall’s season.