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Abington board approves personnel, financial reports, contracts, Eastern budget and updated emergency plan

Abington Board of School Directors · January 30, 2026
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Summary

At its Jan. 27 meeting the Abington board approved multiple routine measures: personnel addendum, the November 2025 financial report, payment of bills, permits and bids, an asbestos remediation contract for McKinley Elementary, the Eastern Center operating/capital budget, a First Student Inc. transportation agreement, and revisions to the district Emergency Operations Plan.

The Abington Board of School Directors on Jan. 27 approved a string of routine and fiscal measures after presentations and brief discussion.

Among the items the board passed were the personnel addendum (appointments, status changes and the retirement of Beth Newman after 39 years), approval of the district financial reports for the period ended Nov. 30, 2025, and authorization to pay bills for the period ending Dec. 31, 2025.

Ms. Denicola, the district finance officer, summarized the November report: fiscal‑year‑to‑date revenues totaled $144,194,433 compared with $141,911,637 the prior year, an increase of about $2.2 million; district expenditures through Nov. 30 were $69,355,483, up roughly $1.77 million or 2.62% from the prior year, primarily for contractually obligated expenditures.

On procurement and capital needs, the board authorized advertising supply bids required by school code, approved permits of use for buildings and grounds, and awarded a contract for asbestos remediation and boiler removal at McKinley Elementary — work scheduled for summer 2026 to support previously approved HVAC upgrades. Ms. Denicola reminded the board that the district must generally accept the lowest responsible bid unless a vendor cannot complete the work.

The board also approved the 2026–27 Eastern Center for Arts and Technology budget, which the district’s sending‑school superintendents recommended at a combined $14,340,000 (operating $13,340,000; capital $1,000,000). Abington’s share of the operating budget was reported to increase to $2,100,667, with a combined tuition and capital contribution of $2,342,333; Abington accounts for roughly one quarter of Eastern’s enrollment.

To address transportation needs, the board authorized an agreement with First Student Inc. for alternative transportation services through June 30, 2028 (the district cited use to support transportation for homeless youth and other specialized needs). The board also approved revisions to the district Emergency Operations Plan updating contact information and clarifying procedures for unauthorized access to students; administration will communicate the revised plan to school leaders and staff.

All items were approved by roll call and the motions passed.