Hopewell Area School District board approves purchase of Broadhead Road office

The Hopewell Area School District board of school directors approved resolution 5-2026 on March 17, 2026, authorizing the purchase of property at 2299 Broadhead Road for $425,000 and a renovation budget not to exceed $250,000 to create a new central administrative office.

District business administrator Debbie Underman presented the recommendation and four options the administration considered: buy and renovate the Broadhead Road property (recommended), construct a new central office at an estimated cost of about $2 million, lease comparable office space during the district’s multi-year renovation period (estimated $490,000 over roughly four years), or renovate part of Margaret Ross Elementary (estimated about $612,000). Underman said the administration expects renovation to take approximately six to eight months, with a potential move late summer or early fall.

"The administration's recommendation is to purchase the property on Broadhead Road for a final sale price of $425,000 with a renovation all-in not to exceed $250,000. Total all-in cost 675,000," Underman said. She told trustees the building is roughly 5,000 square feet with about 2,500 square feet per floor and showed photos of existing offices, exam rooms, a kitchenette and a reception area that would be reconfigured to provide eight to nine offices and support space.

Underman said the district has $3.7 million set aside for capital projects and that $18,000 in grant funds targeted for security upgrades (cameras and badge-access equipment) would cover those items separately and are not included in the $675,000 all-in figure. She described the layout as offering improved visitor screening and a reception area with badge swipe access.

Trustees discussed sightlines for potential board meeting space in the building and confirmed that, if renovations proceed, the district may continue to hold meetings at the high school or in a future K–6 building while construction proceeds. After discussion, the board adopted resolution 5-2026 by roll call; trustees present voted to approve the purchase and renovation authorization.

The administration said next steps include design layouts from the architect (Draw Collective), renovation scheduling, and finalizing financing from capital reserves. The district indicated it could lease or sell the property in the future if plans change.