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Policy group urges Easton board to consider 'responsible contractor' standards for major school construction bids

Easton Area School District Board · January 13, 2026

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Summary

Rebuilding American Values presented model language for responsible contractor ordinances (RCOs), noting local examples and arguing RCOs can protect taxpayers and ensure contractor qualifications; the board discussed legal differences with project labor agreements and said it will consult counsel.

A policy group urged the board to consider adding responsible contractor standards to procurement for the high school construction project to prioritize quality, worker training and local hiring.

Bob Wolper, founder of Rebuilding American Values, told the board RCOs allow elected bodies to set standards beyond a bare lowest‑cost selection by requiring bidders to meet transparency, wage, apprenticeship and safety criteria. He said examples exist at the county and municipal level, including Northampton County and the City of Easton, and cited Abington Township and larger examples elsewhere.

Wolper played a short video and pointed the board to model RCO language and legal experts who have defended such ordinances in litigation. During Q&A, board solicitor/designee and attendees discussed legal risk, emphasizing that a project‑specific and narrowly tailored approach is less likely to face successful legal challenge than a blanket policy applied to every project. Board members asked for examples of failed RCOs and were advised to consult listed counsel (Mike Barbieri, Sean Kilkenny) for case‑law detail.

Speakers highlighted the difference between RCOs and project labor agreements (PLAs); Wolper said RCOs focus on bidder standards and local accountability rather than union requirements, but acknowledged recent court scrutiny in related contexts and urged tailored, legally‑reviewed language.

The board did not adopt any RCO policy at the session; several board members said they would review materials and consult the solicitor before any decision is proposed.