Hempfield School District

The meeting encompassed several administrative and event-related topics. Reports were delivered covering the current financial status, updates on principal retirement and succession planning, and teacher appreciation initiatives. A review of recent fundraisers and events was conducted, including the Scholastic Book Fair, Family Fun Night, and Holiday Shop. The group discussed preparations for upcoming activities such as the VIP Dance and Glow Party, Coin Wars, and Fun Fest. Additionally, the committee addressed the need for volunteers for open officer positions, coordination of restaurant night outs, and sourcing thank-you gifts for support staff.

The board meeting featured student recognitions for academic and artistic achievements and updates from the Student Council. The Superintendent provided a status update on the high school project, including ongoing traffic studies and permitting processes, and discussed upcoming parent-teacher conferences. Reports were presented regarding various district committees, including finance and building operations. The board approved multiple personnel items, various service contracts for technology and special education, and the audited financial statements for the 2024-2025 fiscal year. Additionally, a resolution was passed to seek a Public School Facility Improvement Grant, and several board policies underwent a second reading.

The committee reviewed several educational and operational items. Discussions included an overview of the Lancaster County Academy program and the required Chapter 339 2026-2029 Guidance Plan. Curriculum updates were provided regarding the implementation of STEELS standards at the secondary and elementary levels, as well as a proposed textbook adoption for elementary Social Studies. The committee also reviewed several policies for upcoming first reading, including nondiscrimination for students with disabilities, exemption from instruction, student attendance, weapons, property records, and the lending of equipment and books. The meeting concluded with an adjournment to an executive session to discuss legal and contractual matters.

The Buildings and Grounds/Finance Committee meeting focused on several key operational and fiscal matters. Discussions included the Summer Playground Project, detailing the process of preparing the Request for Proposal (RFP) for multiple school sites, analyzing resurfacing and purchasing options, and noting that cost proposals will be presented later. The committee also reviewed the Public School Facility Improvement Grant Program, indicating the district plans to apply for funding for the HVAC system project at Landisville Middle School, with a resolution planned for the March 10, 2026, Regular Board Meeting. In finance, the committee reviewed the preliminary 2026-2027 budget, noting cost drivers such as salaries, benefits, and special education services, and discussed projections showing expenditures exceeding revenues. Furthermore, a comparison of costs for district tax collection services was presented. Several contracts scheduled for approval at the March 10, 2026, meeting were reviewed, including Erate agreements for UPS equipment and IDF racks for the High School project, an agreement for transportation services to Lancaster County CTC, the Tax Collector contract with Lancaster County Tax Collection Bureau, an agreement for English Language Development support, a naming rights contract for the JV Softball Field, and agreements for Special Education Tuition and Student Assistance Program (SAP) services.

The meeting commenced with recognitions for the maintenance and custodial team for their efforts in building and field preparation, including snow removal. Key action items involved the approval of the agenda and personnel actions. The Superintendent reported on the recent Act 34 Hearing for the high school project, upcoming parent-teacher conferences, and the success of an in-service day. Reports from liaisons highlighted PSBA's concerns regarding the Governor's budget proposal and opposition to a proposed cell phone ban bill. Standing committee reports reviewed discussions on the effects of excessive screen time on learning. Action items included the approval of the revised proposal for the baseball and softball fields project, the approval of several finance items and related reports (Activity Fund, Expense, Revenue, Food Services), the adoption of new books for English and Social Studies curricula, and the first reading of several board policies. The board also approved the disposal of outdated/damaged books and other items, and approved waivers and releases in a legal agreement.