Hatboro‑Horsham board approves elevator, Life Skills renovation, roof grant application and multiple budget and policy items
Loading...
Summary
The Hatboro‑Horsham School District board unanimously approved a package of facilities projects (including a Simmons Elementary elevator and a Life Skills classroom renovation at the high school), moved to apply for a PA DCED school facility grant for roof repairs, and approved finance, HR and several policy items at its Feb. 23 meeting.
The Hatboro‑Horsham School District Board of School Directors voted unanimously Feb. 23 to approve a slate of facilities, finance, human resources and policy items, including a bid to replace the Simmons Elementary elevator and a capital project to convert classroom space at Hatboro‑Horsham High School for the district’s Life Skills program.
The board accepted a facilities package that also authorizes the district to apply for a Public School Facility Improvement Grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development to repair sections of the high school roof and to purchase a replacement truck for the operations department. The motion to approve items 7a–7d was moved by Madison Peace and seconded by Catherine Khan; the board recorded a voice vote and the president stated the motion carried.
Why it matters: the elevator project and Life Skills renovation are capital investments intended to improve accessibility and specialized programming for students. The roof grant application would seek state funding to address building repairs, potentially reducing the district’s direct capital outlay if awarded.
The board also approved several finance items, including the 2026–27 Montgomery County Intermediate Unit membership services budget, a bid for E‑Rate Category 2 network equipment replacement (federal E‑Rate Category 2 funds), PDE Form 4605-related residences matter, and PlanCon Part K materials tied to the district’s planned 2026 bond series. That motion was moved by Theresa Brown and seconded by Jen Wilson, and approved by voice vote.
On human resources, the board approved the personnel action items on the agenda and authorized revised athletic game worker compensation rates after a motion by Susan Hunsinger Hoff and second by DJ Schultz. The board also approved second readings and final adoption of five policies (105.2 — exemption from instruction; 122 — extracurricular activities; new 817 — district social media; 831 — energy policy; and 916 — volunteers) following a motion by Ashley Pearson and a second from Susan Hunsinger Hoff.
Other actions included approval of the consent agenda (routine finance and activity reports, contracts, and student trips) and ratification of the school board meeting calendar for 2026–27. Minutes for the Jan. 27, 2026 legislative meeting and the Feb. 9 work session were approved at the start of the meeting.
What was not decided: the board’s approvals were procedural and funding-authority steps; several items (for example, the roof grant) will require subsequent implementation steps such as grant application, award decisions, and contract execution. The board did not vote on any personnel disciplinary actions in public session; the superintendent noted personnel matters remain confidential.
The board took the final vote and adjourned after liaison reports and a public comment period.
