Hatboro-Horsham High Gym Renovations Delayed

HATBORO / HORSHAM TOWNSHIP, PA —While many projects like the construction of the new Keith Valley Middle School are progressing, one has suffered a setback.

Schools Superintendent Scott Eveslage provided the school board with an update at its meeting last week regarding renovation work at the Hatboro-Horsham High School gymnasium.

He said that renovation work on the gym will not be completed until November or December.

"An issue with the new bleachers has forced the delay," the superintendent said. "The contractor said the new bleachers won't arrive by the start of school year."

The project included painting and work on the gym floor and Eveslage said that work has proceeded according to plan.

He said the school board approved the project at its Feb. 23 meeting with the contractor beginning initial demolition work in the spring.

"We are extremely disappointed by the late notice from the contractor," the superintendent said.

He said that while temporary bleachers will be installed, the gym's capacity will be reduced and some school events will be impacted.

"We anticipate this delay will impact school operations in November," Eveslage said.

That's when the new bleachers are expected to arrive. The superintendent said that the gym would then have to be closed for two weeks for the bleachers to be installed.

"We will keep the community updated and apologize for the delays," he said. "We are working with the contractor and are keeping all options open to get this done as soon as possible."

In other school business:

• Free breakfast for all students will continue throughout the school year now that the state budget has been adopted and the funding was approved. School officials said residents can apply for the free meal program on the district’s website.
• The board unanimously approved a Targeted School Improvement plan for Keith Valley Middle School students who receive English Language Development services and have not met expected growth.
• The school board also reminded residents that Keystone Collections is the new tax collector for the township. Tax bills can be paid via mail or online. Representatives from Keystone will also be at the District Administration Building to receive tax payments on Aug. 30 and Aug. 31 from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. Bring your tax bills with you. If you have lost your tax bill, call 724-978-0300.
• School begins on Tuesday, Sept. 5. A newsletter was emailed to families recently with the details.