This page will be updated as new information becomes available.
Updated: December 19, 2025
Dear New Horizon Family and Friends,
As we move toward the end of the calendar year, administrators at the Beaver Valley Intermediate Unit (BVIU) wanted to provide an update regarding New Horizon School. We are thankful and grateful for the support that the community and our school districts have provided. We miss our home school and are working hard to return there as quickly as possible. Unfortunately, in the last several weeks, several pieces of misinformation have arisen which have led to confusion. In an effort to provide the most accurate and timely information, we are sharing this page to provide clarification and to correct inaccurate narratives.
Rumor: BVIU is opening new rooms at New Horizon School with the renovation and this will add time to the project.
Reality: Additional classrooms that are under consideration would be created in a preexisting space – a storage gym – where mold and asbestos was found. If BVIU and its Board of Directors were to move forward with this part of the project, it would be part of the timeframe that allows New Horizon to reopen in August/September of 2026. Crews would be able to build walls to create three new classrooms, allowing New Horizon to service more students. However, it is one of the many facets of this project that remains under consideration and has not been finalized.
Rumor: BVIU has improperly focused on the most expensive option for the repairs at New Horizon.
Reality: When the three options for New Horizon school’s construction were presented at BVIU’s regularly scheduled public board meeting in October 2025, final project numbers were not yet available. Please keep in mind any dollar amounts discussed this meeting were rough estimates, at best. However, the consensus of the board was to move forward with discovery of the option that directly addressed all of the factors that caused the initial mold issue. BVIU leadership has expressed a willingness to work with board members to reduce the cost of the project. However, BVIU must ensure that New Horizon is as safe as possible before students and staff return, and the construction option with the widest scope provides the best opportunity to do that.
Rumor: BVIU does not care about the safety of our kids or its staff.
Reality: This is inaccurate. In August 2025, administrators at BVIU were informed that a significant amount of mold was present throughout New Horizon School, home to more than 170 students who have complex special needs. During the remediation process, asbestos was also discovered. Upon this discovery, administrators took immediate action to close the building and inform parents, staff, school district stakeholders, and the community. It soon became apparent New Horizon School would not be a safe place to hold classes. After thoroughly searching all of Beaver County, as well as portions of Allegheny and Butler counties, we identified the Charles J. Betters Innovation Center (the former Midland Innovation Technology and Charter School) in Midland. The owners of that space were kind enough to offer BVIU a lease that concludes June 30, 2026.
Rumor: BVIU can purchase the school in Midland and/or stay in that space for an extended period of time.
Reality: This information is inaccurate. According to the state law that created intermediate units (Section (914-A, Part 11) it is illegal for intermediate units to own property for instructional purposes. Additionally, as noted above, BVIU’s lease ends in June 30, 2026 with no option to renew. New Horizon school is owned by a jointure of 14 school districts in Beaver County.
Rumor: During the relocation of New Horizon School, BVIU did not consider other locations for New Horizon’s temporary location and did not complete a cost analysis.
Reality: This is inaccurate. As noted above, BVIU administrators considered a variety of locations including schools, community buildings, and others, but were rejected because they could not safely accommodate the needs of children with special needs.
Rumor: BVIU has not followed the law to address the issues in the New Horizon School building
Reality: This is inaccurate. Here is a summary of the actions taken on the New Horizon School project to date:
- August 19, 2025 – BVIU administrators are notified that extensive mold levels were discovered at the New Horizon School building. Swift and immediate action was taken. An investigation indicated that the cause of the mold was due to faulty ventilation units and window casings. It was determined that the HVAC system and other items would have to be replaced.
- August/September 2025 – During the course of an investigation to determine the scope of necessary replacements, asbestos is discovered. Air quality tests confirmed this discovery.
- September 24, 2025 – BVIU Board of Directors approved a motion to publicly advertise a Request For Qualifications for Energy Services Contractors (ESCO) to assist with the New Horizon School project. The Request for Qualifications for an ESCO was posted the next day.
- October 22, 2025 – BVIU’s Board of Directors approved a contract with SitelogIQ as the Energy Services Contractor (ESCO) to assist with the New Horizon School project. SitelogIQ started work, following the Guaranteed Energy Savings Act (GESA) procurement method, to address the issues found at the New Horizon building. In 2016, Pennsylvania passed legislation to modernize procurement by amending the GESA process. Details can be found under 62 Pa.C.S. §§ 3751 — 3758. Salient points:
- According to the law, “a program, facility alteration OR technology upgrade designed to reduce energy, water, wastewater OR other consumption OR operating costs” are valid measures under GESA procurement.
- The law also says other scopes of work that help avoid “current or planned capital expenses,” or “renovation, renewal or repair costs” are allowed.
- Emergency remediation of contaminated building systems is a clear and direct avoidance of ongoing current capital expenses and operating costs.
- The law allows 19 different energy conservation project categories including, in New Horizon’s case:
- “(1) insulation of the building structure or systems within the building”,
- “(4) heating, ventilating or air conditioning system modifications, extension of systems to new or renovated areas or system replacements”,
- “(13) systems that provide indoor air quality improvements or improved climate control”, and
- “(19) other energy, water or wastewater measures as may provide measurable, long-term operating costs reductions or billable revenue increases.”
- Site LogIQ was properly hired by BVIU as their Energy Services Contractor (ESCO) after responding to a publicly advertised Request For Qualifications.
- Site LogIQ assessed all of BVIU’s buildings to determine scopes of work to address deferred maintenance as per 62 Pa.C.S. §§ 3753.
- The scale of mold and asbestos at New Horizon was not foreseeable, but failing to address it, once discovered, would cause unnecessary health risks and be fiscally irresponsible.
- November 19, 2025 – BVIU’s Board of Directors approved the proposal from WestBanco for a non-revolving, draw-down construction loan. In addition, the BVIU’s Board of Directors approved a contract with BLT Contracting, Inc. for the abatement of the asbestos and mold at New Horizon School.
- December 3, 2025 – Notice of Approval and Award of GESA was published.
Rumor: The Beaver Valley Intermediate Unit is using GESA to move forward with the New Horizon project without completing a competitive bid process.
Reality: The assertion is inaccurate. Pennsylvania’s GESA expressly authorizes public entities to procure energy savings projects through a competitive sealed proposal (RFP) process rather than traditional low-bid contracting. This process requires public notice, open competition among qualified firms, formal evaluation based on defined criteria, and approval by the governing board at a public meeting. GESA does not allow sole-source procurement or the circumvention of competition. Accordingly, the use of GESA for the New Horizon project reflects compliance with a legally authorized competitive procurement method—not the avoidance of one.
Rumor: BVIU is rushing the construction process and not following the law.
Reality: This is inaccurate. One of the biggest benefits of using the procurement method outlined above includes the speed in which a project can be developed and procured. The GESA method is much faster than the four-prime contracting design-bid-build methodology. This is key for BVIU because we are currently renting another facility at a cost of $50,000 per month. That’s $500,000 in expenses not budgeted for this school year. When you consider the additional time and steps needed to follow the design-bid-build methodology, this will add several months – at least – to the project duration. The consolidation of the project schedule will save BVIU and its member districts on project costs and unplanned real estate costs. We cannot afford to waste money or time. An additional benefit of moving forward this way is the contract is guaranteed, meaning once a contract is agreed to, the price of the project cannot change. The GESA process does not allow for change orders. This provides BVIU and its member school districts certainty as to the cost of the project from the very beginning. This helps school leaders more effectively plan for the full cost of a project and stay within their budgets.
Rumor: School districts in Beaver County were asked to vote on a $15 – $20 million debt requirement with no information.
Reality: This is inaccurate. At its regularly scheduled public board meeting in October 2025, three options for New Horizon school’s construction were presented. While final project numbers were not yet available, three options were discussed. The consensus of the BVIU board was to move forward with the discovery of the option that directly addressed all of the factors that caused the initial mold issue.
Rumor: BVIU did not complete the necessary requirements for construction projects.
Reality: This assertion is inaccurate. Under the GESA procurement method as noted above, all requirements continue to be met.
Rumor: The SiteLogIQ administrators have had private meetings with BVIU board members regarding the New Horizon School project.
Reality: This is inaccurate. All meetings have been held in public and in accordance to state and federal sunshine laws.
Rumor: BVIU told SiteLogic that it wanted to spend $20 million on the project and that’s why the estimate came in at $15 million.
Reality: This assertion is inaccurate. As noted above, all meetings have been held in public and in accordance with state and federal sunshine laws.
Rumor: BVIU doesn’t want to stay at the Midland building because it doesn’t have a pool.
Reality: This assertion is inaccurate. The BVIU board and administration wants only the best for Beaver County’s most vulnerable students. While we thank our educational partners in Midland, that building is approximately a half of the size of the New Horizon School building. Our New Horizon school is 77,000 square feet whereas our temporary location is 32,000 square feet. In addition, the current, temporary location was not designed for students with severe and significant special needs.
Rumor: The BVIU’s executive director has not been forthcoming with information and has lied to stakeholders.
Reality: This assertion is inaccurate. From the beginning, BVIU’s executive director has been honest and transparent with BVIU board members, staff, and parents. Three options were presented to the BVIU board at its October meeting. While no vote was taken, the board reached a consensus that the third option – which addresses all of the systems that caused the initial mold issues – was deemed necessary in order to move forward. This option will ensure that New Horizon School is future ready and can continue to serve children and families in Beaver County.
Rumor: BVIU has started construction without board approval.
Reality: This assertion is inaccurate. At its November 2025 board meeting, the BVIU board of directors approved a motion to contract with BLT Contracting, Inc. to move forward with the asbestos abatement process.
Rumor: BVIU exaggerated the extent of the mold and asbestos so that they could renovate New Horizon for free.
Reality: This is inaccurate. During its investigation, BVIU discovered mold throughout New Horizon School, in approximately 64 rooms. BVIU has coordinated efforts towards clean-up and mold remediation that are aligned with the EPA Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings guidelines, including:
- Assess size of moldy area
- Consider the possibility of hidden mold
- Clean up small mold problems and fix moisture problems before they become large problems
- Select remediation manager for medium or large size mold problem Investigate areas associated with occupant complaints
- Note type of water-damaged materials (wallboard, carpet, etc.)
- Check inside air ducts and air handling unit
- Throughout process, consult qualified professional if necessary or desired
Rumor: It would be cheaper if BVIU just tore down the entire New Horizon School structure and built a new facility.
Reality: This is inaccurate. As noted above, by law BVIU cannot own buildings or property for instructional purposes.
Rumor: BVIU is refusing to consider other building options, such as selling the current New Horizon school and moving to a different location.
Reality: This assertion is inaccurate. As noted above, by law BVIU cannot own buildings or property for instructional purposes. Therefore, any proposal to sell or purchase property is invalid.
Rumor: BVIU is conducting this construction process so it can upgrade the HVAC system and upgrade classrooms.
Reality: This assertion is inaccurate. All of the recommended changes are intended to address the original source of the mold and to make the building future ready. The recommended changes are designed to address and correct the systems that caused the mold.
Rumor: Out-of-county school districts that send students to New Horizon will not have to pay tuition for construction costs.
Reality: Tuition is designed for operating costs, not capital finance. Capital and building projects – like construction at New Horizon School – are based on each district’s share of STEB (State Tax Equalization Board) Market Value. Currently, all districts that send students to New Horizon School pay the same tuition rate. Tuition rates for the 2026-27 school year have not yet been set, and BVIU will explore all options in order to ensure equitable funding of New Horizon School operations.
Rumor: Pennsylvania’s intermediate units are not legally allowed to borrow money.
Reality: This information is inaccurate. Intermediate units were created to serve as an intermediary between the Pennsylvania Department of Education and school districts and other entities. The purpose of an intermediate unit is to provide various services for which certain revenues are earned by the intermediate unit. These revenues may be pledged as security for loans or mortgages when necessary. Section 9-919.1-A specifically authorizes lease, loan and security agreements and mortgages for office, classroom and warehouse space and similar facilities. Section 9-914-A(9) entitled “Powers and Duties of the Intermediate Unit Board of Directors” authorizes the intermediate unit “to receive Federal, State, school district and other monies and expend the same to conduct programs of services.” These programs of services generate revenue for the intermediate unit in return for the services provided. The BVIU Administration building was financed by a pledge of BVIU revenues. As recently as the September 24, 2025, BVIU Board Meeting, the BVIU Board of Directors voted unanimously to approve a Revenue Anticipation Note in order to borrow funds due to the state budget impasse. This borrowing was based upon a pledge of BVIU revenues as permitted by law.