Schools

H-H Schools to Undergo $1.8 Million Upgrade

Much of the repairs will be carried out this summer.

As the Hatboro-Horsham School Board mulls over the best approach to renovating or rebuilding its outdated facilities, the board on Tuesday approved nearly three dozen improvements for the seven district schools.

The estimated $1.8 total million price tag is expected to be funded, in large part, through the district's $8.3 million capital reserve fund.

Superintendent Curtis Griffin said many of the projects will be carried out during the summer. Some, he said, have to be bid, which means the cost estimates could fluctuate a bit.

Find out what's happening in Hatboro-Horshamwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Some of the various projects approved include: 

Other larger ticket items include transportation upgrades in the way of the replacement of a new bus garage roof; replacement bus and vans; and rebuilding and resurfacing the garage parking lot for a combined cost of $371,000.

Find out what's happening in Hatboro-Horshamwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The lone item slated for Hallowell Elementary School – which the board is considering demolishing and rebuilding elsewhere – was a $6,000 fee to replace curbing in the parking lot and ramp area. 

Prior to board action, Horsham resident Gary Conner chided the board for not taking action several years ago to close Pennypack following a recommendation from a consultant hired to conduct a feasibility study.

“You’ve run up a $20 million debt,” Conner said, referring to the cost he estimated from the school remaining open from 2009 to date. “You have to start making the decisions you should’ve made four years ago now.”

Bob Reichert, director of business affairs, told Patch after the meeting that while the suggestion to close Pennypack and redistrict was a recommendation, Conner’s figures do not necessarily reflect what the true cost savings would be.

“You can’t just assume that every cost associated with the school ceases,” Reichert said, noting that expenses for busing children who normally would walk, for instance, must be considered. “Was there savings? Absolutely.”

Within the next six to 12 months the goal, Griffin said previously, is to devise a long-range facilities plan.

While closing schools has not been undertaken - at least not yet - Reichert said the district has moved forward with some of the recommendations. 

"Have we done some things? Yes," Reichert said. "Have we done them to the large scale? No."


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here