Development News for Hempfield, Pennsylvania

Resident Urges Board to Restore Dedicated Seat for Special Education Advocate

During the board meeting, a resident, Ronnie Jeans, addressed the board to request that Dr. Goodrich have a regular seat at the table during school board meetings, similar to how D. Galen previously did. Jeans argued that a dedicated representative for students with IEPs, gifted IEPs, and 504 plans is necessary due to the large portion of the student body these students represent. Jeans highlighted that while Dr. Muser handles multiple roles, he cannot solely focus on exceptional students. Jeans pointed out that Dr. Goodrich is the only upper-level administrator on the organization chart not to regularly sit at the table, despite her role. The resident emphasized that exceptional students are impacted by nearly every board decision, and their needs require consistent consideration by a dedicated representative present at meetings.

Hempfield School Board Discusses Proposed Budget with 4.1% Tax Increase and Fund Balance Strategies

The board reviewed the proposed budget, including a 4.1% tax increase, which would result in no surplus or deficit, assuming flat state funding. The presentation detailed revenue buckets, homestead farmstead exclusion amounts, and the Act 1 index forecast. Tax increase scenarios were presented, showing an annual increase of $178 on the median assessed home with a 4.1% increase. The discussion also touched on the impact of delayed tax bill mailings on interest income. A presentation on fund classifications and designations was provided, explaining the differences between non-spendable, restricted, committed, assigned, and unassigned fund balances, as well as governmental, proprietary, and fiduciary funds, including capital reserve versus capital projects funds and the rationale behind maintaining healthy fund balances. The board also considered approval of contracts, financial reports, food service reports, a district solicitor engagement letter, substitute administration compensation, and a general obligation bond. Additionally, discussions occurred regarding support staff compensation, with concerns raised about lagging market wages, and hiring and retention incentives for the upcoming school year. The board also reviewed debt service fund reallocation and resolution, and policy updates related to sexual misconduct and liability.

Hempfield High School Construction: Traffic Plan Approved, Stormwater Plan Under Review

The board discussed the Hempfield High School construction project updates. This included a positive traffic plan meeting with East Hempfield Township, where adjustments were made and the updated plan was resubmitted. Confirmation was received that the township accepted the study, pending a minor correction, which schedules the project for the planning commission supervisors meeting in June. Additionally, the district received feedback on the land development stormwater plan from the D, with many comments identified as quality control items needing clarification. The D also requested additional information, including geotechnical engineer input regarding sinkhole threats and calculations for an existing basin along Kaufman Road. ELA is coordinating a meeting with the geotechnical engineer, and a meeting with the D is being scheduled to discuss these requests.