New Hallowell Construction to be Rolled Into Budget

Even with financial uncertainties in next year's Hatboro-Horsham School District budget, costs of the new, roughly $20 million Hallowell Elementary School will be absorbed into the spending plan at a state-approved level, according to a district official. 

The district remains committed to keeping its tax increases within the Act 1 index, which, for 2014-2015 is up to a 2.1 percent tax hike, according to Bob Reichert, the district's director of business affairs. 

While the district would "still be assuming debt" from the planned new construction, Reichert said, "we're planning for that."

"I don't see us having to put a significant amount into the budget," Reichert said following Monday night's school board meeting and budget presentation he gave to the board.

Some of the anticipated new school construction costs are built in, while the district would tap into its reserve funds for other portions, he said, adding that a $2 million state grant earmarked for energy efficient systems would help fund the expense as well. 

District officials said previously that the new Hallowell could be built by 2016, but first the district needs to take ownership of the former Horsham Memorial Army Reserve Center, where the school will be constructed anew. 

Officials had hoped to take possession of the Easton Road property in May, but on Monday Reichert told Patch that it is expected to take another 45 days for the land to transfer.