[{"_1":2,"_124":-5,"_125":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6619832,"mediaKeyId","2827249-ff0835feeea9f947688ea53e2ec8678f","parentId",2827249,"title","Board debates chiller design fee and weighs multiple capital projects including Whittier playground and softball-field lighting","audioSeconds",529,"startMs",2897000,"endMs",3426000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2827249-ff0835feeea9f947688ea53e2ec8678f&start=2897&end=3426","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2827249-ff0835feeea9f947688ea53e2ec8678f/thumbnail_2897000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6619832/Pennsylvania/Board-debates-chiller-design-fee-and-weighs-multiple-capital-projects-including-Whittier-playground-and-softball-field-lighting","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6619832-7708e248beba32ffca5c02a81accdf68/orig.mp4?Expires=1771140920&Signature=UzEg6GHc2lByJid7iO1O1UUc~xtXDnkLaC1UislxWnpF8PJQhOdZFYd3VSm7h8yujhobxox7WWqctX2J-~G0BWtQtdHRXWeEk8hZIkb~q4aVSnSoVhMgTKa8eHnWT9eoz8CgYghBrI~yNUm2vmwld0~FlO9yo2C5dEMklykyuEOsA75KoSjtBkRxjH-4k7MOs3DfD~xsCGDBSRtGbUNuPMkes7bXuMzGL6Z6QypbiH99kTM~CeeTOzkxHNygApfQgSLHBNOErSUXNsyyeOiLLxx1OGL4PvjaW3hVWrVrNrRkZm7j7MfjZd4Fl1r0oiG7qQ~DKP0QV~S1Omgi~hNW9g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Scranton School District","date","2025-03-31T23:56:33.537Z","article","Board members spent substantial time on March 31 discussing several facilities and capital projects, with debate focusing on the scope, cost and procurement path for a chiller replacement and related mechanical work.

At issue was whether the district should pay for an architect-designed RFP for the McNichols chiller. Director Casey urged a \"like-for-like\" procurement and criticized an estimated $64,000 design fee, saying those costs could be avoided by having contractors provide assessments. District staff and the owner’s representative cautioned that the chiller is 30 years old, the building’s HVAC components and distribution may not support a simple swap and alternative solutions (for example variable refrigerant flow systems) might be more efficient over time. \"There's a lot of different variables ... we may need to design — we may not even need a chiller,\" a staff presenter said.

The board directed staff to gather more information, including assessments from the district’s HVAC contractor and interested vendors, and to include findings in the next board packet.

Other facilities items discussed:

- Scranton High interior vestibule doors: staff recommended awarding a $11,030 contract to Kelly Brothers to integrate remaining doors with the badge system.

- Whittier playground and parking: staff said moving the playground to the existing parking area and paving across an alley would cost about $500,000. The playground itself is funded by a Valley in Motion grant; relocating the parking would require a separate capital allocation and coordination with city/state authorities because the alley and adjacent street usage involve municipal and state roads.

- West Intermediate ceiling change orders: staff recommended approving four change orders (GCCO005, MCCO003, ECCO007, PCCO004) totaling $80,133.81 to remove acoustical lay-in ceiling tiles and provide an open ceiling in the gym, a scope that staff said is more appropriate for an athletic facility.

- Scranton High softball-field lighting: water intrusion damaged underground electrical lines and lighting controls; staff reported an estimated 900 feet of damaged 500 MCM cable and about $40,000 in wiring-material costs so far. The district has submitted a claim to its carrier and is awaiting a response; staff said they will solicit contractors to repair the wiring and replace lights if the claim is denied.

Why it matters: The chiller decision affects long-term maintenance costs and building performance; the Whittier and softball-lighting items pose both safety and operational implications and may require capital funding or insurance recovery. The board requested additional technical assessments and competitive input before approving large design or construction expenditures.

Ending: Staff will obtain HVAC vendor assessments, provide cost-comparison options in the next packet and report back on insurance responses and any city/state permitting needed for the Whittier parking scenario.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","2025-03-31 Scranton SD Committee Meeting & Work Session","oneSentenceSummary","Board members spent substantial time on March 31 discussing several facilities and capital projects, with debate focusing on the scope, cost and procurement path for a chiller replacement and related mechanical work.","taxTitle","Scranton SD, School Districts, Pennsylvania","taxId",78422,"location","Pennsylvania","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6619837,"Scranton School District could gain up to $12.6 million if governor’s proposals hold; federal cuts would threaten about $20 million in programs",1034,194000,1228000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2827249-ff0835feeea9f947688ea53e2ec8678f&start=194&end=1228","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2827249-ff0835feeea9f947688ea53e2ec8678f/thumbnail_194000.jpg","/articles/6619837/Pennsylvania/Scranton-School-District-could-gain-up-to-126-million-if-governors-proposals-hold-federal-cuts-would-threaten-about-20-million-in-programs","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6619837-8a0eecb0052f206b26504d83f78fc50d/orig.mp4?Expires=1771140920&Signature=EFi0Bt23UZk42ZOrd8W7S0srXPDS4IECUYuJFu6GrdEksrk77YKVzsiijfzXc5Qt-2L9VYB4n-s~I17YpVDMm~ddruaP5vhaqlm1wjdjxzLnMV6w4NDBx6HNoGoCe0htUxRBpPcHJpMRfTaMlK0aaSdB3n~Q6dZnc2RFU63AW3OOMDKFdSRqa4AXTKBwF4BPj29s32zzojnJu0IKC8mMPsYo3sVn8yODKyOJBgyde~V-yqS4~uolLSC26EfFXFyj3zsbLFoZA9p-3KSh8gXdL2IT~h-pJbpL8Vr4HRFcXzU6xthKdq64g8oJeCl0CiKi2RKzNxVDImgmzdAkm0SHDA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Scranton School District officials told the school board on March 31 that Governor Josh Shapiro’s February budget proposal would raise the district’s state funding but that possible federal reductions could substantially offset those gains.

Mister Laffey, presenting a state-budget summary, said the governor’s approximately $51 billion statewide proposal includes a $75 million increase to the Basic Education Fund, $40 million to special education, a $526 million increase to adequacy and equity supplements, $100 million for safety and security grants and $125 million for public school facilities improvement grants. \"Our basic education would increase from approximately 73,900,000.0 to 74,900,000.0 or, or $1,100,000 in BEF,\" Laffey said.

The district’s Ready to Learn Block Grant would, according to Laffey, grow from roughly $17 million to about $26.2 million — a $9.2 million increase to the district under the proposal — and he summarized that the proposal would amount to roughly a $10.7 million increase in state funding for the district compared with 2024. Laffey also noted charter/cyber reform proposals could add an estimated $1.9 million for Scranton if adopted, bringing the district’s potential total increase to about $12.6 million.

At the same meeting, board members and staff flagged the vulnerability of federal funding streams. District staff reported roughly $12 million in federal sources flowing to the general fund and noted the National School Lunch Program provides about $7.4 million to the district. Staff counted more than 100 positions partially or fully funded by federal programs: \"over 47 staff members funded through Title I,\" roughly four classroom-size reduction teachers funded by Title II, five or six English language development staff funded by Title III and about 29 teachers funded through IDEA, according to the presentation.

Mister Laffey said the district has heard informal reports of possible federal reductions — \"word-of-mouth from various organizations\" — including a potential 10% reduction in Title I and possible elimination of Titles II and III. He added the U.S. Department of Education issued a statement urging states to expand education choice by leveraging Title I flexibility.

Superintendent Doctor Keating and staff outlined the budget process timeline: the district prepares a preliminary budget (calendar-year budget) in the spring that is due in July, and federal allocations for titles typically arrive in mid to late May. Keating said staff are preparing multiple projections for the board that pair different federal and state outcomes with corresponding spending scenarios.

Board members asked about advocacy and engagement with state and federal legislators. Doctor Keating confirmed ongoing contact with local legislators and said she will meet in Washington, D.C., next week as part of a fellowship and will raise the district’s concerns with U.S. senators and representatives.

Why it matters: The district could see a mid‑seven figure increase in state support if the governor’s proposal survives budget negotiations, but substantial federal cuts would risk programs and staffing funded by federal titles and child nutrition reimbursements. The timing of federal allocations and the state budget process leaves the district preparing multi-scenario budgets between now and July.

Questions and next steps: Staff will continue cost-out projections tied to state and federal scenarios, report federal allocation numbers when they arrive in May, and communicate with the board about funding-dependent budget priorities such as preschool restoration and Ready to Learn allowable uses.

","District staff outlined how Gov. Shapiro’s 2025 budget proposal would increase state funding for Scranton SD by about $10.7 million (potentially $12.6M with charter reform), while possible federal cuts — including threats to Title programs and school nutrition funding — could remove roughly $20 million in support.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6619817,"Board begins high‑school dress‑code revision process and agrees to add online uniform‑assistance contact",304,2547000,2851000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2827249-ff0835feeea9f947688ea53e2ec8678f&start=2547&end=2851","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2827249-ff0835feeea9f947688ea53e2ec8678f/thumbnail_2547000.jpg","/articles/6619817/Pennsylvania/Board-begins-highschool-dresscode-revision-process-and-agrees-to-add-online-uniformassistance-contact","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6619817-a5e0b26a4f67372f4d986183b8354577/orig.mp4?Expires=1771140920&Signature=OXKctEkQeMjvlgG8Mv~w~kG-uS-hf64GgGkiU9yrSzRm531g-Hg6IB2s~4zEm1-TvAXme2DApFdWaH-IuJ8Sg6jEu3I6kR9ZOl23qwnqAU2DZ0U0UQhodULJOSwQYS4WegyZNEaR3IobBo3pJbwfwGQ1My1fM4~7tPV7v4ZJE3wzMjKB3UaCfQxOcltHQnk-y2jHGuLYAol~t~5UhkkINHRSBsH7LUKPJVFE2SjBuylM5rHLxpHHH8lMdq4h7ZnLMiDMctd-HVWuAdIrlJ-4aPjQXB9XIHh7IYqzcW6xBrWz2mNthOsZyfb~AfM7xAm~Z9cLz3pVUokCpKGcc6U-zQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Scranton School District board received an update on a high‑school dress‑code review on March 31 and directed staff to improve outreach about uniform assistance.

Administration reported a ThoughtExchange survey with nearly 2,000 participants that showed stakeholder interest in further modifications to the high‑school dress code. The administration emphasized that any changes would appear in student handbooks (approved by the board in June or July) rather than as a separate policy change; K‑8 dress code will remain unchanged.

A director asked for data on how the revised high‑school code has performed since last year; staff said a memo from Mister DeLuca about truancy and discipline trends was in the packet and that they would reissue it. Directors also asked whether K‑8 dress code relaxation would be considered; staff said they had not explored that for K‑8 and remain supportive of current rules at that level.

Separately, a director raised concerns that some schools have robust clothing closets while others do not. The board directed staff to add a prominent web link or single contact point on the district website to help families request uniform assistance, and said schools could still distribute clothing from building-based closets.

Why it matters: Dress-code changes and uniform-access procedures affect students’ daily experience and equity of access to clothing resources. The administration’s earlier timeline aims to present handbook changes for board approval before the 2025‑26 school year.

Ending: Staff will compile requested data (DeLuca memo) and post a centralized web contact for families needing uniforms; further handbook updates will return to the board in the summer.","The board heard results of a ThoughtExchange stakeholder survey on high‑school dress code and staff said changes would appear in handbooks (not as policy changes). Directors asked staff to add a central web contact for families seeking uniform assistance.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6619822,"Scranton board debate over selection of general counsel draws public comment on fees and conflicts",479,4154000,4633000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2827249-ff0835feeea9f947688ea53e2ec8678f&start=4154&end=4633","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2827249-ff0835feeea9f947688ea53e2ec8678f/thumbnail_4154000.jpg","/articles/6619822/Pennsylvania/Scranton-board-debate-over-selection-of-general-counsel-draws-public-comment-on-fees-and-conflicts","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6619822-69e78ef1a80f1b7e4c1b8dd8a32e74e2/orig.mp4?Expires=1771140920&Signature=Vdt3uRreZAhtnfBPznpLzKyfM2mpzuQk61L07F0m4Z8FbdTZrkwpELXE8HUwGZf-csIfciwp~-l1wu0In0bGFSl-s6B5VIQTo51CYPgz62HxAPE8IM8LyTmonT~hRelCo0Fzv5VdXyAp-n57h6QFaZwXl2LySPVMiKpP9wahV9SyxiXXEajZ4437vi7tVdNvM9xIOBTGk-wn7agJiuN4HGaLrzIsEQGbD39440gpu~YzV833xNVEyFAMXnWlJX-N3p2CaYoY-apzHMS8AHGIT1rljxaCn9usPT7-J5W3RCNoI47W7BZuqOz8YR9-VEHNgizAg4zrlhk4Dsp1j6TWmg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Public comment and board discussion on March 31 focused on the district's planned appointment of general legal counsel and the selection process for outside counsel.

Multiple speakers urged careful review of proposals and noted differences in proposed hourly rates across finalist firms. One director, speaking during public comment, said she had reviewed proposals and found the majority-selected firm had proposed $240 per hour for partners in its initial submission while a competing firm proposed $200 per hour and serves an education-law practice group representing 32 districts. She said she would not support the majority's choice and called for further scrutiny.

Director Catherine Fox urged the board to seek an ethics advisory opinion or legal review of potential conflicts of interest that have been raised in conversations with board members and the public. Fox also asked the board to consider retainer structures, noting the district previously saved taxpayer dollars with a work‑based retainer rather than an hourly retainer and asked that proposals be evaluated on comparable retainer terms.

Superintendent Doctor Keating and staff said attorney Katz (outside counsel assisting the process) was not present at the meeting but will attend the next meeting to answer detailed questions and support executive-session discussion. The board chair confirmed negotiations with the preferred firms would proceed and that attorney Katz would be available at the next meeting for formal actions.

Why it matters: Legal counsel selections shape how the district handles litigation, special-education matters and contract advice; hourly rates, retainer arrangements and apparent conflicts can carry budget and governance consequences. Several board members and public speakers requested transparency on proposal terms and an ethics review before final appointment.

Ending: Administration will continue negotiations and bring final recommendations and supporting documents, including any advisory-opinion recommendations, to the next meeting when attorney Katz will be present for questions and executive‑session review.","Public comment and several directors raised concerns about the board's move to negotiate with a law firm that proposed a higher hourly rate than an alternative firm; speakers asked for ethics opinions and for the board to ensure the most cost‑effective, experienced counsel is chosen.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6619827,"District plans multiple RFPs: banking and investment services, cost‑reduction vendors, and a special meeting to award food‑service contract",2712,1509000,4221000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2827249-ff0835feeea9f947688ea53e2ec8678f&start=1509&end=4221","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2827249-ff0835feeea9f947688ea53e2ec8678f/thumbnail_1509000.jpg","/articles/6619827/Pennsylvania/District-plans-multiple-RFPs-banking-and-investment-services-costreduction-vendors-and-a-special-meeting-to-award-foodservice-contract","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6619827-7d40b948388250bc7b04668b746be962/orig.mp4?Expires=1771140920&Signature=OOzm~KICG4~akKbVqN8i6hDpoYW9V5k6o5QNcKzG6EvIxdtl91nB9gYVvVAz5HrN1EHjqML8aausm7zL9ImqPU2X72wI0zXH5Bv5F5wTf9GcJDMWpyg1bQe6YFh1VI3mzOnfLXCwpbEwMleiNT-S~ywF5LH14d0V47Rz~gordWaMOmcAEtqysxOXAs2X6-1LxaYOSEnmNzub2-BKVvwJPAE03dVCRl-53XaKrEJBKtEyKqywloeNgxA2q6vMEozdrzt7-x21fBdHE2m97-Y8tnhkEZ64r~HHGHlw0mqNSDws3KjsCxSXuigK7~f6hocID351JK3CHSzVawrp5vkOgw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","District officials outlined a cluster of procurement actions and vendor evaluations at the March 31 meeting, saying administration will pursue competitive processes for banking and investment services, cost‑reduction/expense‑management firms, and will evaluate food‑service management companies before awarding a contract.

Mister Laffey said the district’s unassigned fund balance has improved since 2019, with an estimated unassigned fund balance of about $15 million for 2025 and policy guidance (policy 609) that governs investment strategy. The administration will seek proposals for banking and investment services to expand permitted investment vehicles and better return on reserves. \"We will be looking to issue that,\" Laffey told the board.

On cost‑reduction services, several firms have contacted the district offering to analyze spending on supplies, utilities, vehicle fuel and communications and seek savings. Staff reported positive references for preliminary vendors and said an RFQ or RFP is likely.

Food-service management (FSMC): the district conducted walk-throughs with seven or eight interested vendors and said proposals are due April 2. Because the Bureau of Food and Nutrition requires the executed contract to be submitted in a timely manner to avoid disruption of summer food service, the administration will request a special board meeting in early April to award and sign the FSMC contract.

School security contract: staff said a scoring process for school security proposals is underway and a recommendation will appear in the next packet or in the special meeting materials.

Why it matters: The banking/investment RFP could change the district’s cash-management returns; the FSMC award affects school meal operations and compliance with state nutrition-bureau deadlines; a cost‑reduction RFP could deliver recurring savings. The board asked for follow-up materials and scoring documents as proposals are evaluated.

Ending: The administration will return with draft RFP/RFQ materials, scoring results, and a recommended award for the FSMC and school‑security contracts at the requested special meeting.","Administration told the board it will issue or consider RFPs/RFQs for banking and investment services and cost‑reduction contractors, and that food‑service management proposals are due April 2; a special meeting will be scheduled to allow award and timely submission to the Bureau of Food and Nutrition.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Board debates chiller design fee and weighs multiple capital projects including Whittier playground and softball-field lighting

Scranton School District could gain up to $12.6 million if governor’s proposals hold; federal cuts would threaten about $20 million in programs

Board begins high‑school dress‑code revision process and agrees to add online uniform‑assistance contact

Scranton board debate over selection of general counsel draws public comment on fees and conflicts

District plans multiple RFPs: banking and investment services, cost‑reduction vendors, and a special meeting to award food‑service contract