The Abington School District Board of Directors voted unanimously at its Jan. 28 meeting to put a $285 million Abington Middle School investment plan on the ballot during the May 20 election.
Abington Township and Borough of Rockledge residents will vote on whether or not to provide funding for the construction of the new school building.
If the referendum is approved, the anticipated tax impact on a median homestead value of $387,402 would be approximately $54 per month, starting in 2026. Abington Township has provided a tax calculator so that residents can see specifically how much their taxes would be raised if approved.
The district has engaged with the community through surveys, open houses, and town halls to gather input on the proposed plan. Feedback has been instrumental in shaping the final proposal, ensuring it aligns with the community's priorities and educational goals.
The current Abington Middle School faces numerous issues, including outdated infrastructure, limited accessibility, and inadequate learning spaces. An independent assessment identified $206 million in deferred maintenance needs, highlighting the urgency of the situation. Renovating the existing building would not provide the necessary improvements and would disrupt student education during construction.
If approved, the final design for the new Abington Middle School will be created with input from teachers, parents/guardians, students and residents.
The Abington School District recently released a new educational resource explaining how a new middle school will change education throughout the district.