[{"_1":2,"_112":-5,"_113":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6640055,"mediaKeyId","2556415-92e4a2c0dd0e1e1108bc1549a0b2b398","parentId",2556415,"title","Officials outline $275–$300 million capital program, urge early budget planning","audioSeconds",857,"startMs",1369000,"endMs",2226000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2556415-92e4a2c0dd0e1e1108bc1549a0b2b398&start=1369&end=2226","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2556415-92e4a2c0dd0e1e1108bc1549a0b2b398/thumbnail_1369000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6640055/Pennsylvania/Officials-outline-275300-million-capital-program-urge-early-budget-planning","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6640055-56f80cf06d449db4ec0c23d53165c94b/orig.mp4?Expires=1775096915&Signature=fverCVR2K6wVOp0wjy~AExiYnbyuT-MWAZ8TYoy7LZYsNUqHem0UhTlRmPOswCNd2Zw8LO-D7l5pgMCk52tEIA1z6atI9UbYuog5eW2fJIrvQ1GMKB1ir29EGOVa1FgDmSubxBDdiv2~qHy6p99rthtlYziTuUn4OmT3mqN1S5rnVBog8KsIXLG~nmuEd3nCaO2lel8xZfpG4eCK9hf4vmdF6tnrrSO-H04qPZS9ncDYk4Ed1mYBDQ-ENhl4Xrgjy~u1tuJKa0aUnIcSbojo7FBL5mJ-4btO~h8zwKh8YtcKk0YBYdnw6pykNdi3OWUUvI9rTQMfrhI4s-oYKqQn8Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Easton Area School District","date","2025-03-12T00:16:45.047Z","article","Ken Phillips, a managing director with Raymond James, told the Easton Area School District Board on March 11 that advisers had modeled funding for a potential capital program in the $275 million to $300 million range and urged the district to begin putting money in place in fiscal 2025-26.

The presentation outlined phased borrowing beginning in 2026, possible refinancing opportunities for existing debt, and an estimated millage impact tied to Pennsylvania's Act 1 index. \"We're going to share with you some of the thoughts that we have for a building program in the 275 to $300,000,000 range,\" Phillips said, adding that the plan was a financing framework rather than a prescription for specific construction work.

The advisers said the district's historic debt position is favorable and that refinancing two existing issues could save money; the presentation estimated modest savings for a 2019 issue and more than $1 million in savings for a 2018A series if refinanced under current rates. The consultants also noted the district's credit rating prospects: \"Currently, you're AA2,\" the presentation said, adding that under a $275 million plan the district would likely remain in the A category.

Why it matters: Board members and staff framed the briefing as an early, necessary step if the district plans to proceed with a major building project such as a new high school. Superintendent Tracy Piazza reiterated that the district committed to studying a high school project that would stay within the $200 million to $300 million range. She said the district must plan for both the building debt and regular operational needs: \"What do we need to continue our daily operation? And what do we need to fund this new project and or maintain our buildings at a level of acceptability?\"

Key points from the presentation and discussion

- Timing and phasing: The advisers modeled borrowing across multiple years, with cash needs beginning in 2026 and carry-forward into 2029 or 2030 depending on the program and phasing decisions.
- Budget planning: The advisers recommended beginning to budget for additional debt service now and suggested that, if the district is \"serious about doing any type of building projects\" in this range, it should plan for roughly a 1.5 percentage-point increase relative to the index (described in the presentation as \"1.5%\" in the slides) to fund capital and debt service over the coming years.
- Refinancing opportunities: Two existing issues were identified as candidates for refinancing; one showed limited savings, the other showed potential savings in excess of $1 million under current market rates.
- Credit considerations: Presenters warned that spending down reserves to fund construction affects credit metrics: \"Based on a $275,000,000 capital plan... we've really drawn down fund reserves... you're probably going to be in the A category,\" the presentation said.

Board and staff remarks

Board members stressed that design authorization is underway but that the district is not yet committed to building if final bids exceed expectations. One board member noted the plan calls for phased borrowing and that funds allocated but not yet needed could be transferred into capital or maintenance reserves for other district needs. Superintendent Piazza emphasized that funding would come from multiple sources: the district budget, capital reserves, borrowing and the tax base.

What the board will do next

Presenters urged the board to incorporate the modeled debt-service amounts into upcoming budget discussions so the district can build the necessary reserves and debt-account funding. No formal vote on a financing plan or bond issuance was recorded in the meeting.

Ending

District advisers said they would continue to work with administration and return with further recommendations; board members indicated they want the financing profiles reflected in the superintendent's and business office's budget planning over the coming weeks.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Standing Committee Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","Ken Phillips, a managing director with Raymond James, told the Easton Area School District Board on March 11 that advisers had modeled funding for a potential capital program in the $275 million to $300 million range and urged the district to begin putting money in place in fiscal 2025-26.","taxTitle","Easton Area SD, School Districts, Pennsylvania","taxId",38560,"location","Pennsylvania","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6640041,"District recommends $2.76 million bid for middle school roof; funding to come from bond proceeds",473,5641000,6114000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2556415-92e4a2c0dd0e1e1108bc1549a0b2b398&start=5641&end=6114","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2556415-92e4a2c0dd0e1e1108bc1549a0b2b398/thumbnail_5641000.jpg","/articles/6640041/Pennsylvania/District-recommends-276-million-bid-for-middle-school-roof-funding-to-come-from-bond-proceeds","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6640041-ae6fea380bf47a04beb813fd61a9c74e/orig.mp4?Expires=1775096915&Signature=d3HJx4sGIl1qPFUZKZz~PcxsWu7yawjnouzVq1aNcgmCELG805-55PhwGsKEP35UONyqX7ivxGoXJhlRv~C9X4CLJx3jXRzhHhuvOhz6axvjewKrUaxxQQ20NyPbcS0dkjh~VBA5Pr~W7Xqy8~oYNk4p~Io8L901jBucDbyPwK0qiwBv~k2ZIv1yMZSB8GRzDOY6KtaKxEPkLeIMYeXxDGjYruXw2ZOoplcrjYnU~ZR7Aec6LE0igslfCAPDwOwU3i7tQ-iYIwHMzcODpG85wnad~ytFMZArHEmcbMRN63RRFABNlitkAfA43E3YbiuWhn31wM4g8zzK3t9sBcAjpQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Easton Area School District project staff and representatives from CHA presented a recommendation March 11 to award a partial middle-school roof replacement to US Roofing for $2,760,000, with a recommended alternate of about $30,000 to extend the manufacturer warranty from 25 to 30 years.

\"The bid that came in that we're recommending to you this evening is from US Roofing. It comes in at 2.76, million,\" the project manager said during the buildings-and-grounds discussion. District staff and CHA reported a competitive bidding process, with 16 contractors attending the pre-bid and five bids submitted. Staff also reported that some masonry work originally scoped in the 2022 estimate proved to be less extensive than expected after site surveying and that the lower-than-expected masonry scope contributed to the reduced construction cost.

Funding and procurement context

Project staff said the recommended funding source is bond proceeds from the Palmer bond. The recommended alternate is an additional flood coat and gravel to secure a 30-year manufacturer warranty for the roofing system; project staff estimated the alternate cost at roughly $30,000 and said the roofing system (Garland) is used at multiple district buildings.

Why it matters: Roof projects affect building safety, maintenance costs and the district capital plan. Project staff noted that the district typically budgets a 30% allowance for fees and contingencies when comparing contract figures to total project costs and that other sections of the middle-school roof remain on the district's multi-year capital plan.

Board action: The meeting transcript records the recommendation and discussion but does not record a formal motion or vote on the award during the March 11 meeting. Project staff said they would work with the district to update the capital plan and bring forthcoming items forward as needed.

Ending

Project staff introduced CHA's incoming project manager and thanked the outgoing project manager; staff said they would continue to coordinate procurement and scheduling and return to the board with any required approvals.","Easton Area School District project staff and representatives from CHA presented a recommendation March 11 to award a partial middle-school roof replacement to US Roofing for $2,760,000, with a recommended alternate of about $30,000 to extend the warranty from 25 to 30 years.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6640045,"Easton Cyber Academy reports enrollment growth, emphasizes engagement and interventions",278,2776000,3054000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2556415-92e4a2c0dd0e1e1108bc1549a0b2b398&start=2776&end=3054","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2556415-92e4a2c0dd0e1e1108bc1549a0b2b398/thumbnail_2776000.jpg","/articles/6640045/Pennsylvania/Easton-Cyber-Academy-reports-enrollment-growth-emphasizes-engagement-and-interventions","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6640045-ca4c7407741856410a98a2d96eb806d5/orig.mp4?Expires=1775096915&Signature=TXhjaPHudAepbmPrO1iodtKqn7BcMHSCqB6sf~~s~g5MvukgTNWs3UKXiSQ8u4EB5nIZIpce8OTubZe-J1ezHSSuVRpDF6rUei3oJb0XVixo06ZfLqDx6l5bhY03YAuGHT2UeXiKRahBf9aAwM~IDttkLsJ94Lva4AHOWIDMCwqmXTGwqmteEGHFokapf7oqYvF-tAQah2WXu3Ja0q97m5w5mE5L3GquevxqHXnL8KlURxe~VBbFk6yHq1jagd8r87L6pV2kqwwdNTCwBfQOnw2ghdeKXxI4~i1-Fuhn6-wRtZTi0bBiTEMjt9ao40uGldvsmQAVriVZ70Y6uw7PNQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Ryan Cropp, supervisor of curriculum and instruction, presented the Easton Cyber Academy's midyear report March 11, reporting higher enrollment and describing academic performance and student-support practices.

Cropp said the academy had peaked at roughly 545 students at the time of his slides, with about 32 elementary full-time students, 326 secondary full-time students and about 187 hybrid students who take at least one online course while enrolled at a district building. \"So we're just servicing total of 4, 5 45 students,\" he said, summarizing the enrollment snapshot.

The report summarized pass-rate data by grade band and course level and noted that results are broadly comparable to the district's brick-and-mortar outcomes in many cases. Cropp said the district uses a 60 percent passing threshold for courses delivered on the Edgenuity platform and emphasized that student engagement is the strongest correlate of success: \"The more that they log in, they do their work, the better they're gonna do,\" he said.

Support and intervention practices

Staff described several intervention steps used when students struggle, including teacher outreach, mandated office-hour attendance, regular CST-style reviews and meetings with families to set goals and timelines. Cropp said elementary cyber teachers run small-group Google Meet sessions and provide asynchronous assignments; middle- and high-school teachers maintain daily office hours and arrange targeted meetings when teachers spot red flags.

The program also provides credit recovery and summer-school options, and district leaders framed the academy as a tool to retain students in-district who might otherwise enroll in outside cyber or charter programs. Superintendent Piazza praised the program's role in keeping students in the district.

Board members asked for additional comparative data about outside charter and cyber enrollments over a multiyear period; Cropp said he could compile those figures in a day or two.

Ending

The board thanked Cropp and the academy staff; several administrators noted that the district would include the Cyber Academy's data and trend lines when planning future programming and outreach.

","District staff reported a midyear Cyber Academy update showing spring enrollment above pandemic-era levels (about 545 students), described student performance metrics, and outlined intervention and credit-recovery practices used to support students.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6640050,"Northampton Community College presents $81 million operating budget, reports enrollment gains",950,3130000,4080000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2556415-92e4a2c0dd0e1e1108bc1549a0b2b398&start=3130&end=4080","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2556415-92e4a2c0dd0e1e1108bc1549a0b2b398/thumbnail_3130000.jpg","/articles/6640050/Pennsylvania/Northampton-Community-College-presents-81-million-operating-budget-reports-enrollment-gains","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6640050-9d4ac9b0598a69671527768d4be98c49/orig.mp4?Expires=1775096915&Signature=B-IeW~mz9eHUzfczItfCzgzRKpNwjoaFzJs3X~FmquSxyKyn8HHdT0XfGkQKIYH-Yr0NY9sr8b-Ud6~ZPpr2Yf0akCF83~pyBR5nSb7gwWERShiBIzlOWOOEYt-52DMp6S3A5SYQid3CpIEve0~WHDwZsnp1GddVqsfvgWQZGKAANlOz1QcwKBhFwOaELRj-cjPRVmeNGjBKVFVrToxZOqIdHWC9v6t98LDgiQk5BiIFuP0wpXwBreJngJoyBrk4zCsPY5TbLrUev4mQNuHx4AJtnv4m8Fz72i1TeXesSd7A3xO0DsTXnEUXj56bpBLU8EO5UQhlEanuA~ilKZVH9A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Northampton Community College President Dr. Roth and CFO Jason Lobel presented the college's preliminary 2025-26 operating budget to the Easton Area School District Board on March 11, saying the college expects an $81 million operating budget and $8.5 million in capital spending.

\"Total 20 five-twenty six operating budget for Northampton Community College is set at $81,000,000. This is a 2.92% increase over the prior year revised budget,\" Lobel told the board. He said the capital budget is $8.5 million, a slight reduction from the current year because certain debt service had expired.

Why it matters: The college is a sponsored partner of the district and Easton's sponsor allocation is part of the college's revenue mix. Lobel said sponsor support represents roughly 11% of the college's credit instruction budget and that Easton's sponsor allocation will increase by $74,000 next fiscal year, bringing Easton's total sponsor support for capital and operating to $1,590,000.

Enrollment and programs

Dr. Roth said NCC serves roughly 30,000 students across credit and community-education programs and reported year-to-date enrollment growth: fall enrollments were up 4%, winter up 10% and spring over 6%, with aggregate annual enrollment expected to increase about 5.25%. Lobel said the college is projecting another enrollment increase next year.

The college highlighted a mix of degree and short-term workforce programs, including recent federal earmark-funded programs in cardiovascular sonography and respiratory therapy. Those programs received a $2.7 million earmark grant; Lobel said the first cohorts are enrolled and staffing for those programs will be folded into the operating budget after the grant period ends.

Tuition and sponsor allocation details

Lobel said tuition and fees account for about 55% of the college's revenue; state appropriations about 26%; and school-district sponsorship about 11% for credit instruction. He outlined the proposed in-district tuition increase of $10 per credit hour (from $185 to $195 per credit), with smaller and larger increments for other residency categories. Lobel said that the college historically keeps sponsor contributions for capital flat and that the $175,000 capital sponsor total will remain unchanged for the coming year.

Board questions and next steps

Board members asked for clarifying data about the college's resident student share, enrollment sources and program placement rates. Lobel and Dr. Roth said they would be available to answer follow-up questions and that the college would continue to provide detailed budget documents for board review.

Ending

The NCC representatives thanked the board for its sponsorship and said they will return with final budget figures after fall/summer enrollment and state subsidy determinations are finalized.","Northampton Community College officials briefed the school board on the college's proposed $81 million operating budget for 2025-26, highlighted enrollment increases across terms and outlined a $10-per-credit increase for in-district tuition.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Officials outline $275–$300 million capital program, urge early budget planning

District recommends $2.76 million bid for middle school roof; funding to come from bond proceeds

Easton Cyber Academy reports enrollment growth, emphasizes engagement and interventions

Northampton Community College presents $81 million operating budget, reports enrollment gains