Denise Blackwell

The meeting included approval of the Board Agenda and Consent Items, specifically the previous meeting minutes and the expulsion of one high school student, which was reviewed in Executive Session. Key action items included the unanimous approval of the 2026-27 Lincoln Intermediate Unit (LIU) General Operating Budget and the approval of the York Township Elementary Debt Service Resolution #2026-01. Financial discussions featured an update on the Alera Healthcare plan, noting a projected 9.2% budget rate increase for 2026-27 driven by claims and enrollment growth, despite cost-saving strategies yielding multi-million dollar savings over previous years. The 2026-27 Staffing Recommendation reflected a net budgetary impact of $76,949 after utilizing estimated retiree savings, prioritizing new roles such as a K-3 School Counselor and an Academic Intervention Specialist. The Board reviewed plans for 2025-26 technology set-aside fund expenditures for infrastructure updates, which will be acted upon at the next meeting. Capital project updates noted the LHE Building Project has achieved temporary occupancy, with move-in planned for the 2026-27 school year. Furthermore, a transfer agreement regarding the Waltemeyer Fund to DAEF for scholarship administration was reviewed for future action. General information included an outline of the proposed strategic reorganization of the Educational Services Department, consolidating elementary and secondary director roles into a unified K-12 Director role, and a review of a Masters Research Study Student Survey Request involving physics concepts.

The meeting included approval of the Board Agenda and covered special presentations such as a teaser performance by the DPAC and ITS Dinner Theater, and a recognition ceremony where board members were honored for their service. A Student Representative Report highlighted recent middle and high school activities, including fundraising success. The Superintendent's Report detailed successful Spirit Week activities, announced the kindergarten registration date, and discussed staffing and recruitment initiatives due to anticipated retirements. Consent items were approved, notably the acceptance of a significant donation in memory of Ruby Hoffman Hill to cover outstanding lunch balances at YTE, and the acceptance of the Waltemeyer Estate Donation. Action items included the approval of the 2026-27 York County School of Technology Budget (noting a 6.78% cost increase), approval for a Forensics/Speech and Debate Team field trip, and the approval of the 2026-27 School Calendar. Additionally, an adaptation to the 2025-26 LHE/YTE Calendar At A Glance was approved to support redistricting and construction needs, and the approval of Trimester 1 and 2 Early Graduates was finalized. Information items included a draft of the 2026-27 School Board Meeting Dates and a PSBA Liaison Report detailing legislative and budget-related webinars. A public comment was registered regarding ongoing concerns about bus stop safety and relocation.

The meeting included the approval of the board agenda and public comments period, which saw no participants. Key reports included the Student Representative Report detailing elementary and high school activities such as 'Apple Day' and a Germany field trip, and the Superintendent's Report focusing on the LHE/YTE Redistricting communication timeline and transition plan. Consent items approved included previous meeting minutes and various financial reports (Treasurer's, Expenditures, Revenue, Check Register, Personnel, Rentals, Food Service). Action items involved the approval of four high school field trips, the November 2025 Policy Packet, and a Masters Research Study Student Survey. Information items covered the Transportation Report, highlighting driver attendance challenges and the purchase of new integrated safety seats, the draft 2026-27 School Calendar, the 2026-27 York County School of Technology Budget noting a 6.73% increase and increased DASD enrollment, appointments for Policy Committee and external boards, a PSBA Liaison Report on state legislative updates like mandatory cursive writing and safety measures, and reports on the LIU Board/YLC Joint Authority regarding facility repairs and potential Superintendent of Record.

The meeting commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance. An Executive Session was held prior to the meeting to review matters including student expulsions, personnel discussions, replacement of retiree positions, 2026-27 staffing recommendations, and a student settlement agreement. Key agenda items included approval of the Board Agenda and a presentation of a teaser for the Middle School Musical, "Dare to Dream." Consent items included the approval of previous board minutes and the recommendation for the expulsion of two high school students. Action was taken to approve a High School Band field trip to Ohio State University. Finance discussions centered on the Raymond James presentation regarding the long-term borrowing strategy for the York Township Elementary School Building Projects, confirming that no tax increase would be necessary due to proactive budgeting. Additionally, the timeline and key drivers for the 2026-2027 budget were presented, highlighting set-asides for technology and capital projects, along with increases in salary and medical insurance costs. Updates were provided on the 2022 Bond Fund and the final stages of the Leaders Heights Building Project, which is tracking under budget and expected to achieve major completion shortly. Finally, a General Information Item addressed the proposed adaptation of the 2025-2026 calendar for LHE/YTE to facilitate redistricting and construction timelines.

The Organization Meeting convened to establish preliminary procedures, including the Pledge of Allegiance and roll call, noting the compliance with live-streaming policy. Key organizational actions included the election of Eric Pierce as Temporary President from among the holdover members. The meeting proceeded with the reading of election certificates from the November 4, 2025 election for newly seated directors. Magisterial District Judge Scott Laird administered the oath of office to the newly elected and re-elected directors. Subsequent agenda items involved the election of a President for a one-year term, resulting in the unanimous re-election of Anthony Pantano, and the election of Albert Granholm as Vice-President. Furthermore, appointments were made for representatives to various joint district boards, including York Adams Academy and the LIU Board. The board also established the alphabetical roll call order for voting for the upcoming year.