[{"_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",6262510,"mediaKeyId","3115157-0df45cf7c1b0b99b3d4b240345d88ee7","parentId",3115157,"title","Votes at a glance: Board actions April 22 (budget, flags, facilities, policy items)","audioSeconds",4170,"startMs",3168000,"endMs",7338000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3115157-0df45cf7c1b0b99b3d4b240345d88ee7&start=3168&end=7338","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3115157-0df45cf7c1b0b99b3d4b240345d88ee7/thumbnail_3168000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6262510/Pennsylvania/Votes-at-a-glance-Board-actions-April-22-budget-flags-facilities-policy-items","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6262510-0110d3293befe2a83f3be1b83d6059e8/orig.mp4?Expires=1770620432&Signature=hZBZeleMAdXe~H1TcG0i--X56YeXyttS9qlCrVywB7xJEpJzywo897kxWUidy~vd8W4df6Ovm6cdj1RdN96J-7Lkt74vbqVGv-iW78wHaRq0qmXRPe0ktfTWO27qfayajBoOd~zZ2OtRQJKaHEc2JmNsDcbCqeICP7Pocneo4P50hcZ6NhUBbS6LJOtuFOWTift2Wec2qa3FMZhXIgFMnvwfW1HPXw6SYtMbsFGdw5clMg6I9NDVKN5yaSdkir8o2jK2rTnMsL~A4m6s96Ww500e1MdhxuByY-Z93~zpzUxOTBD5Dm3TnvF1iBq8bcRQ0QTxBV~s5gHG-z20RrQGhQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Boyertown Area School District","date","2025-04-25T00:12:18.567Z","article","The Boyertown Area School District Board of Directors took the following formal actions on April 22. This summary lists each action as recorded during the meeting; details and any related votes are available in individual agenda items or in the meeting minutes.

- Approve display of the POW/MIA flag at all district buildings and begin amendment process for policy 807 to record the display. (Motion carries; flags to be installed beginning the morning after the meeting.)

- Accept the March 2025 treasurer's report. (Motion carries.)

- Accept the 2023-24 audited financial statements as presented. (Motion carries.)

- Approve the proposed final general fund budget for 2025-26 including a 3% tax increase. (Motion carries; board discussion extensive.)

- Approve the 2025-26 property tax rental rebate resolution as recommended. (Motion carries.)

- Approve CHA Dewey agreement for Boyertown Elementary HVAC and roof replacement (professional services). (Motion carries; trustee requested her concern about a staff assignment be included in draft minutes.)

- Approve MCIU (Montgomery County Intermediate Unit) agreement for student services (annual renewal). (Motion carries.)

- Approve BCTC (Berks Career & Tech/\"Burke's\" Career and Technology Center) 2025-26 proposed budget as presented. (Motion carries.)

- Approve multiple overnight trips as listed in the agenda. (Motion carries.)

- Approve second readings of policies: 006 (meetings) and 815.1 (use of generative AI in education). (Motions carry.)

- Approve the Boyertown Area School District Special Education Plan and the Guidance 339 plan as presented. (Motions carry.)

- Approve the personnel agenda as presented. (Motion carries.)

Ending: Several items were routine approvals; the meeting included longer debate on the budget and follow-up steps on the Boyertown Elementary capital project. Administration will implement approved items and return to the board with project-level details and drafts for the minutes where requested.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Boyertown Area School Board Meeting: 4/22/24","oneSentenceSummary","A quick reference listing of formal board actions taken April 22 by the Boyertown Area School District Board of Directors including budget adoption, POW/MIA flag display and multiple routine approvals.","taxTitle","Boyertown Area SD, School Districts, Pennsylvania","taxId",50827,"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},6262515,"Board authorizes planning for possible full-day kindergarten, asks for feasibility study options",836,5384000,6220000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3115157-0df45cf7c1b0b99b3d4b240345d88ee7&start=5384&end=6220","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3115157-0df45cf7c1b0b99b3d4b240345d88ee7/thumbnail_5384000.jpg","/articles/6262515/Pennsylvania/Board-authorizes-planning-for-possible-full-day-kindergarten-asks-for-feasibility-study-options","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6262515-636b6a6d21e4bcb8ff9e6365d4a68ddd/orig.mp4?Expires=1770620432&Signature=otp6Em0FrPpd8mRCnxo~TNu5uRWqTgWS3AJ06OXlGdHcwBnyPco4jlsiDR3POE5SftClkIdJJ4F44b59LqEV8qnYPJ8cI2J8NscOLcEGREtpNfIwbvUlv6IuwStq~9gINjNtoqCp-BImyeIMRVYA6PNK2UM-y1rzbxarS-TkATAWgakI7S1poUEujBcwZs6BR7JUVoC6xKVDzfTC5hZTQJ7nSKMmHI5tWOTiO4Ky7OyAAKDH4zMel6enGzu47tIlesZRMCAeqxS-R1enzMP2KS8wGstqqITZfMt8N5qKxV5JFS94EecD9cIcbUtPyvu~dwY3EMHbk-zu2tqXkDEX~Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Boyertown Area School District Board on April 22 authorized administration to continue planning and investigation into a proposed full-day kindergarten program but did not commit the district to immediate implementation or funding.

The vote directs administration to conduct targeted feasibility work, which trustees said should examine multiple delivery options (including a half-day option or Kindergarten Plus models that use before/after providers), capacity constraints and costs. Administration said such a feasibility study would likely require targeted outside consulting (architectural/feasibility) and reiterated that two kindergarten positions were included in the proposed 2025-26 budget only to begin building millage support if the board later votes to adopt a full-day program.

Why it matters: Full-day kindergarten is a district-level programmatic change with implications for classroom space, staffing, transportation and budget. Trustees and public commenters raised concerns about using portables and asked that any solutions avoid detached modular classrooms; administration said any classroom expansion proposals would prioritize attached or permanent space to meet safety and security expectations.

Details: Administration recommended a targeted feasibility study to return three options (for example: existing facilities modifications, attached additions, and third-party program partnerships) with cost estimates, ADA and code implications, and how each option would affect transportation and staffing. Trustees asked that family choice options be included in planning and that a committee with board member representation be involved in reviewing proposals.

Outcome and next steps: The board approved moving forward with planning and directed administration to explore feasibility options and return recommendations; if the board later decides to implement full-day kindergarten, administration would bring forward staffing and facility proposals and seek funding or millage adjustments as required.

Ending: The vote authorizes study and planning only. Any program adoption, capital work or staffing changes will require future board approval.","Trustees authorized administration to pursue planning and feasibility work for a potential full-day kindergarten program, with board members asking for alternatives including half-day options and enrollment and facility studies.",{"_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},6262520,"Board approves CHA Dewey agreement for Boyertown Elementary HVAC and roof replacement; one trustee asks to record objection about clerk-of-works",402,4847000,5249000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3115157-0df45cf7c1b0b99b3d4b240345d88ee7&start=4847&end=5249","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3115157-0df45cf7c1b0b99b3d4b240345d88ee7/thumbnail_4847000.jpg","/articles/6262520/Pennsylvania/Board-approves-CHA-Dewey-agreement-for-Boyertown-Elementary-HVAC-and-roof-replacement-one-trustee-asks-to-record-objection-about-clerk-of-works","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6262520-1346598fce94a9af3de563c0ca64e7bd/orig.mp4?Expires=1770620432&Signature=Ck7KiKPHVru7SJGEM3pdOB~32y1N8Ii3tmqFEqPlKUHhNZiyh1v81rh8DDiusneua2ETUr-NJBbuo80-9gjUhW6w67o1RgPlXyilnhw8n~~e9nvW2NO95M1jXvOot4NMcElD97LcJn45VDgPJRbEraufOyaKmYAJjvRi25JaFeLhag0QGaBF8wKb1GAe7Osu7zV-o0al-pVxJGkzsFh0MrQV-5QMIhUpAOmHA1zGNNGlBi5562fsFHmyYiI1I-~ZUdfMgx2rvc-3jYSmf~MvzOwFt0twDiSDsUnEhShj~B1vIbyw7FzlArZJ7xWOPvhRzXCS~P2954D-uzxeNYRMxQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Boyertown Area School District Board on April 22 approved an agreement with CHA Dewey for professional services on the Boyertown Elementary HVAC and roof replacement project.

The motion passed after a roll-call vote. One trustee said she would vote for the project but asked that the board record her objection in the minutes regarding a district staff member's qualifications to serve as clerk of the works on the project. The board discussed whether such a statement should be included in the draft minutes; trustees later directed the board secretary to prepare draft minutes that include the trustee's expressed concerns so the entire board can vote later on whether to approve the record.

Why it matters: Approving the professional-services agreement starts the formal design/management phase for the Boyertown Elementary HVAC and roof replacement project and allows the district to engage consultants for planning and oversight. A trustee's formal objection about who should serve as clerk of the works may surface as a personnel or process concern to be resolved separately.

Details: A trustee said she supported funding the project but questioned the qualifications of a staff member identified in the meeting (referred to during the discussion as Mr. Shields/Sheel in public remarks) to act as clerk of the works. The board did not change the contract approval; instead trustees agreed to include the trustee's comments in the draft minutes for subsequent board review.

Outcome and next steps: The CHA Dewey agreement was approved; administration will proceed with the consultant engagement and return to the board with implementation details. The board instructed the secretary to include the trustee's concern in the draft minutes for later approval.

Ending: The vote advances the elementary capital project into the planning phase and flags a separate minutes-approval process to reflect dissenting trustee comments.","The board approved a professional-services agreement with CHA Dewey for Boyertown Elementary School HVAC and roof replacement, and a board member requested her written concern about a district staffer's role be included in the minutes.",{"_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},6262525,"Boyertown Area School District to fly POW/MIA flag at all district buildings after board vote",765,2471000,3236000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3115157-0df45cf7c1b0b99b3d4b240345d88ee7&start=2471&end=3236","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3115157-0df45cf7c1b0b99b3d4b240345d88ee7/thumbnail_2471000.jpg","/articles/6262525/Pennsylvania/Boyertown-Area-School-District-to-fly-POWMIA-flag-at-all-district-buildings-after-board-vote","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6262525-631b6105d274edd69de9a42054cd4bd1/orig.mp4?Expires=1770620432&Signature=CxWULOpbCyBHYurANGU7kHvoYHLPGkmqqfWjTHJHyorYrlOx~bu~9w1kNo6wOtkWZQUuLxCbRQpcO0fkviVEgOctUEV~z0EvWlScr-0LCYVDSD5KTHt3TaOtPXmZ1ziWKBcQFR2Vunue52TOZssrAuJ-fqHkQcj-sWIH8inZf2qwljDZ9SESZQSL1oG2rXpVJiaaus2l4hiXTrSiEIrVJsJUfPl7IaV0yK~Sew9koDGwT5mSPs9rCOS75GO5FKs1x3w8~f9ZVDAC9iaODIW3XXy1Vjp-3Ydzjz0Cl51hBjenh-cNc4rddY5K8j4nMtmMTK9jtawsRL~FH-MdnpcL6Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Boyertown Area School District Board voted April 22 to begin flying the POW/MIA flag at all district buildings and to begin the policy amendment process for district policy 807 to authorize the display.

The recommendation followed a presentation from members of Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 131 and state Representative David Maloney, who said Pennsylvania law already requires the POW/MIA flag on state properties where the U.S. flag is flown. The board approved the display and administration scheduled a brief flag-raising ceremony at the high school for the following morning.

Why it matters: The board's action formalizes a community request to display a symbol many residents and veterans view as a public recognition of service members still missing from past conflicts. Representatives from the veterans chapter asked the board to fly the black-and-white POW/MIA flag below the U.S. flag at each district building; Rep. Maloney offered to supply flags for the schools.

Details from the presentation: The presenter said the POW/MIA flag was designed in 1971 and is displayed at federal buildings and post offices; Pennsylvania law requires the POW/MIA flag be flown on state properties where the U.S. flag is flown. Presenters identified names of service members from the Boyertown area listed as missing in action from Vietnam and supplied historical background on the flag's origin.

Outcome and next steps: The board voted to approve immediate display; administration said the first flag-raising would begin at Boyertown Area Senior High School at roughly 7:45 a.m. the next morning and that other buildings would be rigged and have flags installed within days.

Ending: The decision followed public and board comment recognizing veterans and framed the display as a low-cost, symbolic step the district will implement promptly.","The school board approved districtwide display of the POW/MIA flag beginning the morning after the meeting and directed an amendment to district policy 807 to reflect the change.",{"_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},6262529,"Boyertown Area School District approves 2025-26 proposed final budget with 3% tax increase after heated debate",1392,3403000,4795000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3115157-0df45cf7c1b0b99b3d4b240345d88ee7&start=3403&end=4795","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3115157-0df45cf7c1b0b99b3d4b240345d88ee7/thumbnail_3403000.jpg","/articles/6262529/Pennsylvania/Boyertown-Area-School-District-approves-2025-26-proposed-final-budget-with-3-tax-increase-after-heated-debate","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6262529-93b7dff5ee963cae6766af0fb1da8d74/orig.mp4?Expires=1770620432&Signature=dseqbaRZJlVo-qwbqvSbPpfVBB-WxXTwrnH6noUr69V-hTuOYM~pn1OaTG~yydoYrHAheWmh8qSNOCP8iAv-4W1DLojjQauq2ETo4yU4SEjHWDiSS8RE-q6sdm2--8yNUqiD2jWIqD9ICEbds3~8HnkfW0rP1NFkehDzmYMi1rF2Ine5gA58lF86o7gPnVtA1ZYQ-hJjAmKWRR0rtKEA5GUZ-gcZg7ylS18ApwYFmxA13Wl99yjNFnhoow12sD7hoXsVwnDkK5ASr3xS91yMzDjcedarWunBCYgq7cccSfHnJI79ACQhohgHhaB5shv9APYU7IH5CyaV7AD4fye~JQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Boyertown Area School District Board of Directors on April 22 approved the district's proposed final general fund budget for the 2025-26 school year, including a 3% property tax increase, after more than an hour of discussion and repeated questions about capital reserves and future projects.

Board approval came after a roll-call vote in which the motion carried; several board members spoke at length in favor of and against the increase during public deliberations.

The budget discussion mattered because board members and members of the public pressed administrators about how the district will balance routine operations, planned capital projects and potential new programs. Board members cited the need to protect fund balances while still making investments for students; critics warned the district's unassigned fund balance would shrink and questioned commitments to projects such as turf fields and Boyertown Elementary renovations.

Administration and finance staff presented financial details during the meeting. The treasurer's report and follow-up budget presentation showed recent revenue sources and fund balances: delinquent tax collections of $184,331.61, earned income tax receipts of $805,646.93 and transfer tax of $97,935.10 for March; state reimbursements including special education subsidy of $768,815 and a retirement subsidy of $2,289,130.61. As of 06/30/2024 the district reported a nonspendable fund balance of $141,776; a committed fund balance of about $4,100,000; assigned $14,000,000; and unassigned $10,908,814. Administration projected the unassigned balance would fall to about $12,724,000 by 06/30/2025 under the proposed plan.

Board members repeatedly pressed for details about capital funding and how major projects would be paid. Administration said the proposed 2025-26 budget includes $300,000 to replenish the capital reserve and that earlier unspent funds had allowed transfers to capital in prior years. Board members asked whether that capital reserve would be used for projects discussed earlier, such as turf fields and the Boyertown Elementary HVAC and roof replacement; administration confirmed capital projects would be paid from the capital projects fund pending board approval of specific projects.

Several board members said they were concerned that the district is beginning to budget for possible future programs (administration noted two full-day kindergarten positions were included to begin building millage support if the board later approves full-day kindergarten). At the meeting some trustees opposed budgeting positions that could be implemented only if the board subsequently votes to adopt a new program, while others said including the positions was a way to plan responsibly for future options without committing to immediate hires.

Public comment and board exchanges also included questions about long-term planning. A board member asked whether there is a five- or 10-year strategic spending plan; administration said a strategic planning process is underway and that multiple projections inform budget decisions. Trustees debated whether earlier delays in capital work had increased eventual costs for projects such as elementary school repairs.

Outcome and next steps: The board voted to approve the proposed final general fund budget for 2025-26, including the 3% tax increase. Administration said it will continue to return to the board with project-level approvals for capital expenditures, feasibility work for kindergarten, and further financial updates.

Ending: The vote completes the board's budget action required to move the district into the next fiscal year. The administration and board signaled they will continue review of capital priorities, the feasibility study for full-day kindergarten and other items before committing capital project funds or hiring for positions that remain conditional in the budget.","The Boyertown Area School District Board approved a proposed final general fund budget for 2025-26 that includes a 3% tax increase after extended debate over capital reserves, full-day kindergarten planning and future projects including turf fields and elementary repairs.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Votes at a glance: Board actions April 22 (budget, flags, facilities, policy items)

Board authorizes planning for possible full-day kindergarten, asks for feasibility study options

Board approves CHA Dewey agreement for Boyertown Elementary HVAC and roof replacement; one trustee asks to record objection about clerk-of-works

Boyertown Area School District to fly POW/MIA flag at all district buildings after board vote

Boyertown Area School District approves 2025-26 proposed final budget with 3% tax increase after heated debate