Architect Sought for Hallowell Elementary Project

While Hatboro-Horsham School District officials await the transfer of land that will house a brand-new Hallowell Elementary School, officials are looking to select an architect for the construction project. 

Bob Reichert, the district's director of business affairs, said the district has begun sending out a request for proposal to "select architectural firms with experience rebuilding elementary schools."

The district has had a "very good relationship" with EI Associates and has been satisfied with the firm's work, he said, adding that the district wanted to "do our due diligence and look at all firms before we make a decision."

Superintendent Curtis Griffin said the Easton Road property which currently houses the Horsham Memorial Army Reserve Center is expected to be transferred from the military to Hatboro-Horsham "in the next couple of months." Acquisition was originally anticipated in May.

District officials said earlier this year that the school could be ready by June 2016 and is expected to cost between $15 to $20 million. 

The goal of funding the new school, according to Griffin, is to "fund this project without referendum, keeping tax rates as they are" within the state's Act 1 index, which for the 2013-2014 budget cycle, called for school tax increases not to exceed 1.7 percent.