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Ambridge board approves amended resolution authorizing up to $15 million for New Horizon School remediation
Summary
The Ambridge Area School District board voted to adopt a resolution authorizing up to $15 million for mold and asbestos remediation at New Horizon School, amending the measure to add 'pending solicitor review'; the district's estimated share is roughly $1.7 million and the board discussed paying in a lump sum to avoid interest.
The Ambridge Area School District board on Jan. 21 adopted a resolution authorizing the Beaver Valley Intermediate Unit to seek remediation funding not to exceed $15,000,000 for mold and asbestos removal at New Horizon School, amending the measure to add a condition of 'pending solicitor review.'
Board representative Mr. Constantine said the district originally approved $12 million for the project but additional work — including removal of some HVAC components — increased costs. "What we were looking at and what I'm going to recommend to the board tonight so that these children can get back to their home hopefully for the start of the school year is to pay our share of that in a lump sum," he said, arguing a lump-sum payment would save interest over a long-term financing plan.
The resolution designates the Beaver Valley Intermediate Unit (BVIU) as operating agent for the New Horizon School project. Constantine told the board the district's proportional share is "roughly 1.7" (reported in discussion as roughly $1,700,000) based on property valuations and the IU's cost allocation formula. He said that if grants or county commissioner funding is later awarded, the district would be reimbursed for its lump-sum payment.
Board members debated procedural safeguards before voting. A motion to amend the resolution to add "pending solicitor review" passed on a roll-call vote, and the board then approved the amended resolution. The roll-call vote recorded affirmative votes from the board majority and the motions carried.
The board did not adopt specific grant commitments or a financing vehicle in the meeting; Constantine said the district prefers a one-time payment to avoid interest, and noted legal language and ownership arrangements with the BVIU still require solicitor review and finalization.
Next steps: the solicitor will review the resolution language and the board will finalize any contractual or intergovernmental arrangements in follow-up sessions or at a subsequent meeting.
(Reporting note: quotes and attributions are drawn from the board's Jan. 21 agenda-review meeting.)
