Aaron L. Shuman

The board meeting addressed several key financial and operational items, including a final 2026-2027 budget overview, the adoption of the final budget and tax resolution, and approval of capital plans. Significant focus was placed on the Hershey Elementary School project, with the board awarding bids for general, mechanical, plumbing, electrical, and site construction. Additionally, the board approved several agreements including a Physician of Record agreement, a PowerSchool eFinance renewal, a Solution Tree agreement, and the re-engagement of the District Solicitor. Other actions included the establishment of new student clubs and setting board and standing committee meeting dates for the upcoming year.

The Council reviewed a proposal for a new supplemental World Language textbook for the middle school. The proposed material, a choose-your-own-adventure book, was reviewed and approved for a First Read by the Council, with the intention to proceed to a Second Read before final submission to the School Board.

The committee discussed updates on the elementary school project, including bid status, site logistics, and building permits. Facility project updates included progress on water softeners, boiler repairs at the ECC and elementary school, natural gas work at the middle school, stadium project developments, and ongoing environmental monitoring at the elementary school. Additionally, the committee reviewed the master capital plan, definitions of capital reserve, and current financial balances in the capital reserve and bond issuance funds.

The Board meeting included discussions on various operational and educational topics, including communications infrastructure cabling, the electronic recycling statement of work, and security technology services. The Board also reviewed the comprehensive special education plan, which covers student enrollment data, areas of improvement, least restrictive environment (LRE) statistics, professional development for staff, and oversight procedures for non-resident and incarcerated students. Additionally, the Board addressed behavioral support policies, interagency cooperation for placement services, and the allocation of special education personnel.

The committee reviewed the December Finance Report, noting total revenues of approximately $4.93 million and expenditures of $5.42 million across local, state, and federal sources. An audit status update was provided, highlighting the reconciliation of cash accounts, progress on the single audit, and upcoming steps for the management discussion and analysis. The meeting included a review of the internal budget timeline for the upcoming fiscal year, with key dates established for departmental meetings and final budget approvals. Additionally, the committee discussed the 2023-2024 fund balance commitment, proposing an additional $3.6 million allocation to the capital reserve to maintain the unassigned fund balance within the required threshold.