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Hopewell board hears mold findings at New Horizon; preliminary $20 million renovation floated
Summary
Board members discussed mold and a small asbestos finding at the New Horizon facility, learned that 176 students were relocated to a temporary site, and reviewed a preliminary renovation proposal that could cost up to $20 million with multi‑decade financing; the board emphasized timelines and the need for more detailed scope and cost breakdowns.
The Hopewell Area School Board on Oct. 14 heard details about mold and limited asbestos found at the New Horizon facility and a preliminary recommendation that the building may require a full renovation costing as much as $20 million.
Dr. Belk summarized testing this summer that identified mold behind wall coverings and a small percentage of asbestos in joint compound. The findings prompted remediation and relocation: about 176 New Horizon students are now housed in the former MIT (Midland Innovation Technology) building while the district assesses options.
Board members and Dr. Belk discussed financing scenarios presented by the BVIU director, including a proposed long‑term financing plan that could spread district responsibility over 30–33 years; one preliminary figure cited was an annual district payment of roughly $124,000 starting in several years on a $20 million project. District officials said lower‑cost remediation options were also being evaluated (figures as low as about $10 million were discussed for more limited fixes).
Officials described the procurement approach under consideration as an ESCO model intended to speed delivery compared with a multi‑year traditional architect‑bid design process. SiteLogic was already inspecting the building and had provided early observations, the board was told.
Board members pressed for clearer scope and timeline details, asking whether renovations could be completed before the next school year and whether reconfigured space could add capacity (board members referenced prior high points near 240 students at the facility). Dr. Belk cautioned that the timeline is "aggressive" and that approval by multiple Beaver County districts would be required for capital projects; Hopewell's share of capital liability was described in the presentation as about 11% based on county property‑value apportionment.
Next steps the board requested included a detailed scope of work, refined cost estimates, an implementation timeline and clarification of procurement and financing options. No final action on funding or contracts was taken; the item will return for further review and eventual votes as information is developed.
