The Keystone Central School District kicked off the 2025 school year with enthusiasm and positive energy, as highlighted during the recent work session held on September 4, 2025. Superintendent and staff expressed their excitement about welcoming students back to classes, noting a successful start marked by engaging events, including a well-received welcome back rally at Malinac Stadium and an inspiring keynote from speaker Jean Paul Gonzales.

In addition to celebrating the start of the academic year, the meeting addressed several pressing facilities issues. The Facilities Committee reported on the completion of a sewer cleaning project in collaboration with Mill Hall Borough, which was found to be in good condition despite ongoing disputes regarding additional grease found in the system. The district plans to respond to the borough's concerns, emphasizing that no waste was introduced during the summer break.

The committee also discussed renovations for the Family Consumer Science room at the high school, with designs created by students being handed over to Hoffman Leakey Architects for engineering. The goal is to complete the renovations by the end of the calendar year.

Budget constraints were a significant topic, particularly regarding HVAC needs at Woodward and Mill Hall Elementary Schools. The committee recommended prioritizing these projects, estimating a cost of approximately $960,000 for necessary upgrades. However, they acknowledged that many other maintenance projects remain unfunded, including water supply improvements for athletic fields and roof replacements at the maintenance warehouse.

Lastly, the district received a request from Mill Hall Borough to replace a section of sidewalk near the elementary school, which will be addressed in upcoming concrete work.

As the school year progresses, the Keystone Central School District remains focused on enhancing educational facilities while navigating budgetary challenges, ensuring that students and staff have a conducive learning environment.