Hempfield School District

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 The board also approved the disposal of outdated/damaged books and other items, and approved waivers and releases in a legal agreement.

Key discussions and actions during the meeting included student recognitions for achievements at the 2025 SkillsUSA Competition, and updates from the Student Council regarding recent and upcoming events. The Board held a vote on the agenda, ultimately approving it despite a failed motion to table one item. Personnel Action Items were approved. Finance Action Items, including the approval of several contracts spanning various services like third-party administration, email archiving, and event catering, were passed. The Board adopted a resolution approving the Lancaster County Career & Technology Center's Proposed General Fund Budget for 2026-2027. Two board policies (Policy 005 and Policy 011) passed their second reading. Among other action items, the Board approved additional contracted transportation staff and a legal agreement concerning a student. A significant action was the termination of the Independence Law Center Contract of Legal Representation, which was approved after debate regarding process and rationale. The Superintendent reminded attendees of an upcoming Act 34 Hearing concerning the high school project and shared details about the high school musical performances.

The Education & Programs/Policy, Personnel, & Legal Committee meeting included an update on Artificial Intelligence (AI) implementation, reviewing Policy 815.1 regarding instruction, academic honesty, and professional development. The committee also reviewed proposed secondary book adoptions for English and Social Studies courses for the 2026-2027 school year, which are scheduled for approval at a subsequent Regular Board Meeting. Several policies were presented for first reading consideration, including Policy 004 (Membership), Policy 006 (Meetings), Policy 217 (Graduation), Policy 914 (Relations With Intermediate Unit), Policy 917 (Parental-Family Involvement), and Policy 918 (Title I Family Engagement). The meeting concluded with adjournment to an Executive Session to discuss a legal matter.

The Buildings and Grounds/Finance Committee meeting included significant financial discussions. Bond advisors presented information regarding the district's borrowing capacity, existing debt service, and potential opportunities for refinancing existing bonds. They also outlined financing and revenue-generating options for potential projects, noting a needed millage increase schedule. The Chief Financial Officer of the Lancaster County Career & Technology Center (LCCTC) reviewed the LCCTC Proposed General Fund Budget. The Committee also reviewed projected revenue for the 2026-2027 budget, including federal, state, and local sources, and discussed various contracts scheduled for future approval, such as cloud email archiving services and equipment maintenance agreements. On the Buildings & Grounds side, guidance was sought and received regarding the playground resurfacing project at multiple elementary schools. An updated Capital Projects Plan was reviewed, focusing on Phase II playground updates and Phase III high school-related work, including progress on the land development plan and NPDES permit application.