Source: Hatboro-Horsham School District.
Several building improvement projects are moving forward across the Hatboro-Horsham School District, with a focus on safety, accessibility, and long-term maintenance at each facility.
At Simmons Elementary School, the district is planning a full replacement of the building’s original elevator, which has become increasingly unreliable due to its age. Construction is scheduled for this summer, with the new elevator expected to be operational in time for the 2026–27 school year, improving accessibility for students, staff, and visitors.
"We expect to bring a recommendation to the board to award this project in February and then have the new elevator operational for the beginning of the 2026-27 school year," said Bill Stone, Horsham Director of Business Affairs.
In addition, the district will begin a Simmons Pool Decommissioning Project this spring. The former pool will be infilled with compactable stone and covered with a concrete slab. Pool equipment will be removed, and limited locker room modifications are planned. The project is expected to be completed by the fall, with no asbestos concerns identified. District officials say the work will allow the space to be repurposed in the future with minimal disruption.
Work is also wrapping up at Hollowell Elementary School, where a major roof replacement project is nearing completion. The project is expected to be finished by Jan. 31, and the district anticipates receiving $575,000 in state reimbursement once the work is finalized. In addition, a new de-escalation space has been completed at Hollowell, providing a dedicated area to support students through emotional and behavioral support programs.
District officials are also preparing to bring several emerging projects to the school board for approval. These include an emergency pipe leak repair at Blair Mill Elementary School, estimated at $12,388.50, and a parking lot electrical conduit and wiring repair at the high school, with an estimated cost of $35,000.
The district is also planning a full replacement of the high school tennis courts. The project includes rebuilding the courts and improving the subgrade with underdrains designed to prevent future cracking. A proposal from Keystone Construction totals $544,000, coming in well below the initial budget of $745,500. Work is expected to begin after the spring boys tennis season and be completed by the fall. The project will be procured through the Sourcewell cooperative purchasing program.
"One of the challenges with doing school projects, is that most schools are on the same timeline," said Superintendent Dr. Scott Eveslage. "And that's the same with sports as well. So, we are striving to begin this as soon as the spring boys tennis season is complete so that it can be done not at the end of the summer."
School leaders say the projects are part of ongoing efforts to maintain facilities, address urgent repairs, and ensure school buildings remain safe and supportive environments for the Horsham community.
