[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-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],{"_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",6079046,"mediaKeyId","2956498-89ccce6e2064f7d3159891de1e05546d","parentId",2956498,"title","Elizabethtown board sets preliminary budget direction: 2% tax increase, hiring limits to reduce shortfall","audioSeconds",6335,"startMs",725000,"endMs",7060000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2956498-89ccce6e2064f7d3159891de1e05546d&start=725&end=7060","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2956498-89ccce6e2064f7d3159891de1e05546d/thumbnail_725000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6079046/Pennsylvania/Elizabethtown-board-sets-preliminary-budget-direction-2-tax-increase-hiring-limits-to-reduce-shortfall","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6079046-038434a9771515ffff5de9fa5e17ee10/orig.mp4?Expires=1771169308&Signature=iX2t1AKZksraXt~FHDTGS1B-jeYtuVv7~IIFvmqlmLSgY2RQ8WBSSEkq4I8lRprrEqMp7fl7nGUmakXWscnk6YvnRL8DU7R8jtxTJLOhYWaM9mbnv9y6xhdr6UagN5MS9eUla3Vpzz2J2kb4O8UQjOHSBeH729JeY0WbkSyqJCi6TlcgfsbiRBi9rIjcjQxlbTTQqS4o-suYaq1Qxw-QBx7jisqJG0uEKhdDAh41oeL8nYQGtCjFlEzVnIOyfuk68EdD0ILdcrrq-cCzy~BHfpRRWmBCBkKvNn07FD-V1hfw6D71RV8lM17VKCynTlPnR30ydhe-9DSxnkoYozVdZQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Elizabethtown Area School District","date","2025-04-11T04:53:19.75Z","article","The Elizabethtown Area School District board on April 8 gave administration a clear budget direction as it moves toward adoption of a preliminary budget: the board majority said it favored a 2% operating tax increase while keeping a previously approved 0.5% transfer to the district's building fund, and it directed that currently open positions not be refilled while staff analyze other cost reductions.

The board's finance chair, Mr. Strickler, in a detailed presentation summarized the district's current fiscal picture and multiple scenarios showing how different tax rates would affect the district's projected fund balance. “We are not guessing anything. We're going with a straight 0,” Strickler said when describing payroll assumptions used in the models that produced projected deficits under lower tax scenarios.

The board’s directive is intended to shrink a projected operating gap that Strickler showed could range into the hundreds of thousands of dollars under a low tax increase. At the meeting the administration noted a recent special-education cost increase the district learned about after the materials were posted—about $200,000—would worsen every scenario unless offset.

Why it matters

The board’s guidance sets the parameters for the district’s formal preliminary budget, which must be advertised for public review before final adoption. Those choices will influence whether the district draws on general-fund balance or makes program and staffing reductions. The board and administration repeatedly emphasized the tradeoff between raising local taxes and cutting programs or positions.

The decision and what's next

Board members debated multiple options, including a larger tax increase and targeted cuts. After discussion a majority of board members signaled support for a 2% operating increase; the board clerk recorded that five members supported that option. Board members also gave differing instructions on which of nine currently open positions should be filled; ultimately the board directed administration to proceed with assuming the open positions would not be refilled for the preliminary budget and to bring the updated budget back for a vote at the board’s advertised meetings in late May.

Administrators were asked to return with more specific cost details before the May 27 preliminary/adoption milestones: a precise calculation of the cost of not filling each open position, an updated projection that incorporates the $200,000 special-education change, and options for using the Ready to Learn/kindergarten grant to offset personnel costs if the board elects to pause planned full‑day kindergarten hires. Superintendent Dr. Nel said the grant reallocation would be presented as an action item at an upcoming meeting if the board wants to revisit the full-day kindergarten staffing plan.

What the board did not do

The board did not formally adopt a final budget at the workshop; it provided direction for the preliminary budget and asked administration to prepare numbers for public review. Board members also agreed there will be no contract approvals affecting professional payroll between now and the next budget meeting, and that any decisions about collective-bargaining agreement increases and final staffing will be reflected in later votes once negotiations and additional analysis are complete.

Context and numbers cited at the meeting

- Projected total expenditures for 2025–26 shown in the presentation were roughly $81 million.
- Strickler estimated a projected fund-balance level of about $7.2 million under certain scenarios and warned about the effect of continued withdrawals on the district’s bond promises tied to capital reserves.
- The administration said the district has already identified roughly $300,000 in additional administrative reductions and asked for further, targeted direction from the board on what to cut.

Board members asked staff to return with a narrower set of options (specific positions and program-level dollar amounts) so that the public and board can see the tradeoffs between tax increases and reductions in services.

Ending

The board will vote on a published preliminary budget at future meetings after the 30‑day public review period. Administrators said revised budget slide decks and supporting documents will be uploaded to the district website overnight to reflect an updated special‑education figure discussed during the workshop.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","April 8, 2025 - Board Workshop Session","oneSentenceSummary","The Elizabethtown Area School District board on April 8 directed administrators to prepare a preliminary budget that assumes a 2% operating tax increase (plus a previously approved 0.5% building‑fund transfer) and to not refill currently open positions while further options are developed.","taxTitle","Elizabethtown Area SD, School Districts, Pennsylvania","taxId",38781,"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},6079035,"District weighs capital repairs and technology upgrades: phones, tennis courts, custodial contract and equipment auction",252,8743000,8995000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2956498-89ccce6e2064f7d3159891de1e05546d&start=8743&end=8995","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2956498-89ccce6e2064f7d3159891de1e05546d/thumbnail_8743000.jpg","/articles/6079035/Pennsylvania/District-weighs-capital-repairs-and-technology-upgrades-phones-tennis-courts-custodial-contract-and-equipment-auction","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6079035-fe2643d9c548e81bfb14aa204b2800ec/orig.mp4?Expires=1771169308&Signature=Lf~EOlCe55IqV4VKYj8RJHCBKXU-OIEHm96vckkt-cRPTTiJeg-DVoHUOyc6q-YUfOgptRIr628Sf6FahE0VbH5CFhNQl5e48GiUW5O29v2EVMP9caESCOdtb2ul9CiFGOA18blyynf0zn~hXvftGIs3v1M1oeer46yN~EM~Wslu2qLdbnjoKXCuB2AcqvsRmEBwj4r~iS6H7qCERYmQE3CqlUTRNH4yqapbJ8iUSdPB6AA9mLow928T1txpIlZLWpM956jqaMjP-1yn5HvekQKnGweG~APouk5H193ejkNjA-e-JYXun96nxBV9Ml5v3EEjT78E6lOVXFoIxKvJ5w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Elizabethtown Area School District facilities and technology issues were a major topic at the April 8 workshop, as board members reviewed several capital and operational items the administration will bring to the board for votes.

Tennis-court resurfacing

Facilities staff presented three bids and recommended accepting the local bidder’s $54,000 quote to resurface the district’s tennis courts and repair a significant 15‑foot crack before it expands. Maintenance staff said delaying the work could increase costs or require full replacement. Facilities recommended paying from capital reserve; board members agreed to move the item toward a vote.

Phone-system replacement

The district’s phone vendor/manufacturer has declared bankruptcy, and technology leaders warned that spare parts and ongoing service could soon become unavailable. The district solicited vendor help and the technology team said it has identified an alternative manufacturer and is prepared to serve as the local service agent, which would reduce future third‑party service costs. Administration asked for board authorization at the voting session to purchase a replacement phone system not to exceed $300,000 (staff expects the final cost to be below $200,000) from capital funds to avoid mid‑year failures and higher future costs.

Custodial services RFP

The district issued a request for pricing for second‑shift custodial services with responses due the prior Friday. Bids varied widely — some showed significant savings, others required more staff — and the administration said it would shortlist three or four vendors for deeper review and interviews and return to the board with a recommendation. The incumbent contractor (ABM) remains under consideration.

Surplus-equipment auction

Maintenance staff presented numerous items that have accumulated in tunnels and storage and recommended an auction to clear space and recover revenue. Facilities said it would seek at least two auction quotations (Hess Auctioneers was mentioned as a prior vendor) and use proceeds to support district needs.

Why it matters

The items involve both recurring operations (custodial contract) and capital maintenance (tennis courts, phone system). The phone‑system replacement was flagged as urgent because of the manufacturer’s bankruptcy and the security/operational reliance on classroom and door‑control telephony.

Next steps

The board asked administration to bring final bids and prices to the next voting meeting. For the phone system administration requested authorization to proceed up to a $300,000 not‑to‑exceed cap and to report back with final vendor and service details. The tennis court resurfacing and custodial contract shortlist are expected to be on the next meeting consent or action agenda after staff completes due diligence and interviews.

Ending

Facilities leaders asked the board to consider these items on the April voting agenda; administrators said they would return with final contracts and pricing details for formal action.","The board reviewed several facilities and technology items at its April 8 workshop and asked administrators to return to the voting agenda with final pricing: resurfacing the tennis courts, replacing an aging phone system whose vendor/manufacturer declared bankruptcy, issuing a custodial-services shortlist, and auctioning surplus equipment.",{"_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},6079029,"Students, parents press board on bullying, book bans and counseling as public comment grows heated",10694,471000,11165000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2956498-89ccce6e2064f7d3159891de1e05546d&start=471&end=11165","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2956498-89ccce6e2064f7d3159891de1e05546d/thumbnail_471000.jpg","/articles/6079029/Pennsylvania/Students-parents-press-board-on-bullying-book-bans-and-counseling-as-public-comment-grows-heated","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6079029-a218c6625f53d998fed33dd87ca33fe4/orig.mp4?Expires=1771169308&Signature=LQfs5bduv2vFDVUinzBlAWoDnxNfuYH19ZJge6BbrnTNFfbcJHvjUAXaQEKxsRsmyUIswiVVgANV8EPQfUTvAO7oRf6yhxaZLvIEuiBVgnQqjd-lvG5UAs8OhMAml2XwwWj-ESMRdR75SQfwXPOPU7dvJCdRJHJzhC52V9ylZ54Z1RReZcjBvsBRk7L340zrS~CnwAcJ2EYRwSLyfT5BGyPSMdlY04UShLx~SRFqeDVjuo5aQH6088kHj2LH4Sm2xphMWwrmP5YpZDxSLQ50TRKEpw8hbMBOadPCCd~ditPdLusHCD-HQ~Z4jmk32nr5MkQzn0GPEi0rAwXiFze3Ig__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Student representatives and members of the public used the district’s April 8 workshop to press the board on school climate, bullying, access to books and counseling, and transparency in board processes.

Student concerns and PBIS

A high‑school student representative said multiple students had told her they felt harms from bullying and that some families felt forced to withdraw students to avoid ongoing incidents. The student urged expanded supports, proposing a mandatory empathy course for students identified as bullies and a districtwide rollout of Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS), noting PBIS training could be provided by Intermediate Unit 13 or Patton without additional district licensing costs.

Parents and public comment

Public commenters raised several issues during the allotted public-comment period. One parent, Amy Carr, objected to recent increases in custodial fees for groups using district facilities and asked the board to consider reduced fees for parent organizations that provide extensive volunteer hours. Others pressed the board on the district’s process for replacing Samaritan Teen Center counseling services and cited pending sunshine‑law litigation and concerns about past executive‑session practices.

Several speakers, including community members who identify as parents and alumni, urged the board to strengthen controls over book access and to make it easier for parents to challenge curricular materials; one commenter said the current policy made it difficult to remove materials they described as explicit. Student and community input also included proposals to expand religious content in schools; several commenters referenced the 10 Commandments and Bible access in curricular or display contexts.

Board response

Board members thanked speakers and said they would take the input under advisement. The board acknowledged the public’s concerns about legal compliance and said it would consult its solicitor and consider public-format options for some future information sessions with architects and consultants. Superintendent Dr. Nel and other administrators also said they would research options for counseling replacement and for PBIS rollouts and return with recommendations.

Why it matters

Student safety and access to counseling, book-challenge procedures, and board transparency were recurring themes. Those issues inform district policy choices, discipline practices and contractual decisions about outsourced student services.

Ending

The board did not adopt new policies at the workshop; administrators were asked to return with proposals and data (including counseling-provider options and a PBIS implementation plan) at a future public meeting.","Students and community members at the April 8 Elizabethtown Area School District workshop urged the board to expand anti‑bullying supports, reconsider facility fees charged to volunteer organizations, and address counseling and transparency concerns.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6079040,"District to consider magistrate collection after $32,000 in unpaid school-lunch balances",0,4853000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2956498-89ccce6e2064f7d3159891de1e05546d&start=4853&end=4853","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2956498-89ccce6e2064f7d3159891de1e05546d/thumbnail_4853000.jpg","/articles/6079040/Pennsylvania/District-to-consider-magistrate-collection-after-32000-in-unpaid-school-lunch-balances","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6079040-3b155c4a412ad7df31e1ec4e2dd7ec3f/orig.mp4?Expires=1771169308&Signature=mcEPGTH9F-SFbAL3UAaqx-dq91Bo4SACaPOhOAv6T-XKWUbcqQEupX9qoHIxWUBezCIuxXZiQBxumcJbHhn55ZnimRBktqaQ8zlE7G4z4rbOdutbd7VJJ1LbWqjjPOMUK50u3NHu7hMdiOY2Pbc52fqBJfwO9OBd5W0RYcZPcVzPf~PZW2~ZxvHjKpGGdVDauYHkA09acCDtTNL8rJ4PoQUaudiJOYH2TDi~pmG0D5AJqZTe7ur9lsTM0hVG8bIrZFyKlMS-jepdr2CId1lnG6zW1fKuoNYfA1V4WQJC7MYWrqj5igJWW31HJEO-WwS5yyeaK-E2lx9Vr1iyATVYzA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Elizabethtown Area School District reported about $32,000 in unpaid negative balances in student cafeteria accounts at the April 8 board workshop and asked the board for direction on collection methods.

The district’s student-accounting manager told the board that state rules require schools to provide a full meal and that breakfast is offered free, so the negative balances are for lunch purchases. The district has sent routine notices and resolved some accounts after parents responded; balances range from about $20 to roughly $700 per account.

Officials presented options: continued regular notices and working directly with families to set payment plans; referral to a collection agency (which would reduce receipts by the agency’s fee); or referral to the local district magistrate, which administration said often prompts a faster parent response and can include court costs added to a judgment.

Superintendent Dr. Nel said the district will continue to work with families who contact the district and noted some donors already help offset certain unpaid balances. The board’s finance chair emphasized that state law requires the general fund, not the cafeteria fund, to cover any negative balances because federal/proprietary cafeteria funds cannot be used to retire household charges.

Why it matters

Unpaid meal charges create an operational shortfall: because the district cannot refuse a full meal to a student, the unpaid amounts must be covered by the general fund unless donors absorb them. That makes it a districtwide fiscal matter rather than solely a cafeteria issue.

Board direction and next steps

Members asked administration to modify the standard notification letter and to return with a recommended approach at the next meeting, including consideration of a dollar threshold for magistrate referral (for example, accounts above a set amount). The board asked staff to report the number of delinquent accounts and the distribution of balances, and to provide cost estimates for collection options. Administration said it will bring a formal recommendation back to the board at the next meeting for action.

Ending

At the workshop the board did not adopt a collection policy but directed administration to return with the data and a recommended process for handling outstanding cafeteria debt at the next board meeting.","At the workshop the board heard that cafeteria accounts show about $32,000 in negative balances. Administration said state rules prevent denying full meals and recommended letters, payment plans and—if necessary—collection via the local district magistrate; the board asked staff to return with a policy recommendation at the next meeting.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Elizabethtown board sets preliminary budget direction: 2% tax increase, hiring limits to reduce shortfall

District weighs capital repairs and technology upgrades: phones, tennis courts, custodial contract and equipment auction

Students, parents press board on bullying, book bans and counseling as public comment grows heated

District to consider magistrate collection after $32,000 in unpaid school-lunch balances