The principal of Bensalem’s Belmont Hills Elementary School is taking her position to new heights after students and families raised $25,000 for new playground equipment, writes Kim Hudson for CBS News Philadelphia.  

“We had some money already banked. With this $25,000, I think that will bring us very close to that new playground,” said principal Kelly McGowan.   

The principal promised her students that if they were able to raise that amount, she would sleep on the roof.  

“I thought it was just a little joke, just to get everyone to do it,” said sixth-grade student president Karlton Francis.    

But McGowan was serious about keeping her word.  

On Thursday afternoon, classes flooded the front lawn of Belmont Hills Elementary School as they cheered on their principal.  

With a sleeping bag, tent, and neon lights in tow, Principal McGowan climbed into the bucket of a fire truck from Cornwells Fire Company to take on the feat.  

The new playground will cost $60,000 to replace the existing dated and “squeaky” equipment. 

“They’re community oriented,” McGowan said. “They want to be successful.”    

Read more about the Belmont Hills Elementary School Principal and her dedication to the students in CBS News Philadelphia.  

Bensalem principal sleeps on school roof after big fundraiser