FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 17, 2025
Monaca, PA — At its regular meeting on Wednesday, December 17, the Beaver Valley Intermediate Unit (BVIU) Board of Directors removed items from its meeting agenda related to a proposal for repairs to New Horizon School. This decision followed an executive session in which board members discussed potential litigation from a member school district; because of this threat, the bank could not commit to a loan at this time.
The borrowing measure was intended to address pervasive mold in New Horizon School and the infrastructure failures that led to it. The discovery of the mold forced the school’s temporary closure in September 2025. During remediation efforts, asbestos was also identified, significantly expanding the scope, cost, and urgency of the required work.
New Horizon School serves more than 170 students with complex special needs and is owned by a jointure of 14 Beaver County school districts. After being notified of the environmental hazards in August 2025, BVIU administrators immediately closed the building and notified parents, staff, member districts, and the community. Investigations determined the mold was caused by failing ventilation systems and window casings, requiring extensive system replacements rather than isolated repairs.
Since the closure, New Horizon School has been operating from a leased former technical school in Midland. While the temporary facility is significantly smaller than the original building and was not designed for students with severe and significant disabilities, it allowed students and staff to remain together and continue instruction while repairs were underway. The lease on the Midland facility expires on June 30, 2026 with no option to renew, creating an accelerated project timeline for returning students to New Horizon.
To address the building’s condition efficiently and responsibly, the BVIU Board previously authorized the use of Pennsylvania’s Guaranteed Energy Savings Act (GESA) procurement process, a competitive and legally permitted method designed to accelerate project timelines, provide cost certainty, and reduce prolonged disruption. Under this process, the board approved an Energy Services Contractor and authorized asbestos and mold abatement work earlier this fall.
By removing items related to the borrowing proposal tonight, there will be no immediate decision on the comprehensive repairs necessary to return New Horizon School to safe operation. No date has been set for reconsideration of the removed agenda items.
“We recognize this has real implications for the timely return of students and staff to New Horizon School,” said Dr. Eric G. Rosendale, Executive Director of the Beaver Valley Intermediate Unit. “However, our focus remains where it has always been—on the health, safety, and educational continuity of the students we serve. These students are our top priority, as I know they are for our partner school districts. It is essential that this project not only addresses the current issues, but also ensures the facility is prepared to serve students safely and effectively for the next 50 years. We will continue working collaboratively and transparently to identify a sustainable path forward.”
Additional updates will be provided as BVIU evaluates next steps. Media inquiries should be directed to Dan Rinkus, BVIU Spokesperson, at 412-738-5213 or daniel.rinkus@bviu.org.