[{"_1":2,"_118":-5,"_119":-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",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_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":56,"_74":56},"mediaId",6076684,"mediaKeyId","2968245-6ddca8e6416bb450d78c1494d4c33129","parentId",2968245,"title","Votes at a glance: Keystone Central board actions April 10","audioSeconds",1366,"startMs",4134000,"endMs",5500000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2968245-6ddca8e6416bb450d78c1494d4c33129&start=4134&end=5500","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2968245-6ddca8e6416bb450d78c1494d4c33129/thumbnail_4134000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6076684/Pennsylvania/Votes-at-a-glance-Keystone-Central-board-actions-April-10","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6076684-614b7e23b87bdbf5df893299ae4e87cd/orig.mp4?Expires=1776186097&Signature=bqoRCKNF3lk73ciTy8Xs8k8lGMwQW5x4OQoPOsBML8XtfAtATu4x8Fffli9KuuWooH7xfxvmx3aW5-U8Rh9Bt3GfVfuXKsqQ4m5aW8hORJ-V0fDvDnjd9e5v1fP~7QAbwZxq0u8cubC67fY1uju6hNOfpMQjRyYbBzepCntTINSA18Q9ycdVzy0pSIa9wlrK4jowD9VoBoqWqHQgo3nHuoroAUHAqVxhzZN5EsI0oJue9sRSBZDFnXA3RVS6hAE5GxC~0k52g5wZwS02LEckPW4xmFnIEHmwPW1QhlCHC1LpeQE9klEXD6PlN-SXITD8iy0Y0VnFTPCMFzSF7N6E3w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","","date","2025-04-11T12:57:09Z","article","The board recorded multiple formal votes and procedural actions during the April 10 meeting. Below is a concise list of motions, outcomes and any immediate next steps.

1) Direction to business office on 2024–25 budget revenue assumption — outcome: approved (board instructed staff to prepare budget using a 1.78‑mill increase as revenue assumption). Next step: business office to prepare draft budget for the May work session.

2) Motion for a 0% tax increase — outcome: the motion to adopt a 0% tax increase passed in an earlier roll call during the meeting but did not prevent a later board directive to prepare the budget using a 1.78‑mill assumption. (See full meeting minutes for roll‑call names and timing.)

3) Resolution to commit funds to capital projects (resolution item listed as R156 in agenda) — outcome: approved (voice vote reported as passage).

4) Multiple G‑series items (routine approvals) — outcome: Board approved G items 3,4,6,7,8,9,10 in a grouped motion; items G5 (transportation contract) and G11 (student discipline/expulsion) were pulled for separate consideration. G5 was tabled pending executive‑session review and parent input; G11 (student discipline action discussed in executive session) was approved after the board returned from closed session.

5) Playground equipment (I‑6) — outcome: approved by roll call (5 yes, 4 no). Board requested administration provide product safety and lifecycle documentation for surfacing.

6) Personnel and pay items (J series) — notable: event security and assigned personnel item J‑2 (fire company/event security pay adjustments) was approved; personnel item L‑1 (salaries for district security/armed officers) was approved by roll call (8 yes, 1 no). Board discussion emphasized recruitment and retention concerns for sworn officers.

7) Other routine financial and curricular approvals (H and K series) — outcome: approved by voice or roll call as listed on the agenda.

8) Transportation contract (G5) — outcome: tabled to next meeting/executive session at board request; some board members asked that parents be invited to review the contract prior to final approval.

Notes on procedure: where the transcript records roll calls, totals in articles match the counts stated on the record; consult the official meeting minutes for the board’s signed roll‑call record and the formal vote tally sheet for legal and audit purposes.

","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Apr 10, 2025 - Voting Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","Summary of formal actions and roll‑call outcomes recorded during the April 10 Keystone Central School District voting session.","taxTitle","Keystone Central SD, School Districts, Pennsylvania","taxId",67877,"location","Pennsylvania","headline","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6076688,"Board approves elementary playground equipment but members debate rubber mulch health risks and costs",32,6694000,6726000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2968245-6ddca8e6416bb450d78c1494d4c33129&start=6694&end=6726","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2968245-6ddca8e6416bb450d78c1494d4c33129/thumbnail_6694000.jpg","/articles/6076688/Pennsylvania/Board-approves-elementary-playground-equipment-but-members-debate-rubber-mulch-health-risks-and-costs","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6076688-82ef11561971342a453e94954f701ac3/orig.mp4?Expires=1776186097&Signature=n2-et~v3M6T7X3di0hwDKHA4DibgJ3oEqm1JJ3yONYw08mJuP7M~WxniVjA3zopuzAeqG6GqBqGqy-ghgcNbgIq2NRmwSKqbTGuD3GRIPsqyOf-k-utnioN6THofc3yL~GtU6LT-~VdEFkmOK1lAKH4ls4Mjk9en2FLfYFz-q0-mTzNBbPJu~JMSyPKIOT0pri9kUhEE-x1tZ1qFDnRxfx3mEDLuKfnvJOAcNHqZ0cAsRGg8dArjcTwPNojLAAts6sfhFcbEMluPwgbUntfpVr04aghkCgEty75kSXijsB0e1xxPlNuOIUzLux4jKf8MP7IBaszk08TqSglnzr3qiQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Keystone Central board approved new elementary playground equipment at the April 10 meeting, but the decision followed a heated exchange about surfacing material. The equipment package as presented carried the vote; board members debated the merits of synthetic rubber mulch versus traditional wood chips (engineered wood mulch).

What the board approved: a motion to accept the presented equipment and surfacing package passed on roll call (five in favor, four opposed). The procurement list approved included a vendor quote for rubber mulch and an alternative cost estimate for wood mulch.

Key arguments presented: Supporters of the rubber surfacing cited longer projected life and lower maintenance: board member Roger (board member) and others pointed to a multi‑year cost comparison that showed rubber mulch’s higher upfront cost but lower replacement frequency. Opponents raised health and environmental concerns: board member Tom (board member) and Elizabeth (board member) noted research about microplastics and potential carcinogenic concerns associated with some synthetic playground products and argued for wood mulch, which had a substantially lower initial cost but will require more frequent top‑dressing.

Costs discussed (presented by administration and discussed by board): the rubber mulch option was priced at roughly $26,004.42 (vendor quote) versus an initial wood mulch installation price of about $7,095; board discussion noted that wood topping or replacement may be required on a more frequent schedule and projected a 10‑year comparative cost that reduced, but did not erase, the long‑term premium for rubber surfacing.

Board reaction and next steps: despite divided views, the board approved the equipment package as presented. Several members asked administration to provide more documentation on product safety, lifespan and maintenance schedules to inform future purchases and community transparency.

","The board approved purchase of new elementary playground equipment as presented; debate centered on whether to use rubber (synthetic) surfacing or wood mulch, with some members citing cost and longevity in favor of rubber and others citing health concerns and preferring wood chips.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6076692,"Food and Nutrition supervisor reports 5.6% rise in meals served; summer feeding to run at Central Mountain Middle School with limited pick‑up sites",484,1265000,1749000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2968245-6ddca8e6416bb450d78c1494d4c33129&start=1265&end=1749","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2968245-6ddca8e6416bb450d78c1494d4c33129/thumbnail_1265000.jpg","/articles/6076692/Pennsylvania/Food-and-Nutrition-supervisor-reports-56-rise-in-meals-served-summer-feeding-to-run-at-Central-Mountain-Middle-School-with-limited-pickup-sites","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6076692-ba18881b6e0bd46ea7f2504a42e2bff3/orig.mp4?Expires=1776186097&Signature=mNY69tXlegBwoyjBUTavvdk9nTwPX7rQM7lvGlyy9XeR90nKBKgOfltk50mWTdPL24WtuW1IYr6gZC7hvO~WQoKwMGFi6OXeyB9p44aRLUq2Kb0-4eIgkNm8fgQOSydud-H0qHjg5C8KOkbgKxCJLGfPCRRXZUOgVfc4rWPZRMT8Z8G6UsQe1OzTV7tdWuBTQIVS8~yOZt3wvmMDNVRhdZ3oADiScbOdMSsHzhn12OOdzEQdq~mD-tRA4sPvk5lAjV1fTRGZKXhXtnsqEH-U9-bXXKUfIwc6vHnYMykpUl4boAsBrGnaGGqU7YuPFT9oRNMt4oJnXUVOQm~TB-hG6g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Sharon Berger, Keystone Central’s food and nutrition service supervisor, told the board on April 10 that student participation in district meal service is up 5.6% from August–March compared with the prior year — an increase she said translates to about 27,000 additional meals — and summarized staffing and program changes the department has implemented.

Berger said the district participates in the Community Eligibility Provision (all students share free meals) and that higher participation reflects students taking advantage of that program. The nutrition office conducted a student survey and launched “specialty stations” at the secondary level; it also formed a student tasting committee to do blind taste tests and incorporate student feedback into menu planning.

Summer feeding program: Berger said the district will run a community feeding program at Central Mountain Middle School beginning in June (program start date announced as Monday in June) and running for four weeks, concurrent with the ESY (extended school year) special‑education program. Meals will be open to all children ages 1–18, regardless of whether they attend Keystone Central schools. To meet Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) distribution rules, the service will issue bundled meals with distribution on Mondays and Thursdays (a four‑day bundle and a three‑day bundle split across those days). Berger and board members discussed access for residents of distant parts of the county; Berger said the program is approved for pick‑up at the middle school but an adult may pick up meals on behalf of multiple children or families under PDE allowance.

Operational notes and regulations: Berger said PDE nutrition rules will become more restrictive on sodium and added sugar beginning in July and that the district is revising recipes (including homemade mac and cheese) to meet nutrient analysis requirements. She also discussed planned cafeteria furniture renovations with purchase orders already awarded and installation scheduled for July.

Board reaction: several board members praised the increase in participation and the department’s efforts to engage students. Some members asked whether more distribution sites could be added to serve remote areas such as Renovo or Sugar Valley; Berger and board members said staffing, food safety rules and the ESY schedule limited distribution this year but that volunteers and transport options could be explored for future summers.

","Sharon Berger told the board participation in school meals increased 5.6% (about 27,000 additional meals August–March), described plans to expand breakfast entrees and specialty stations, and outlined a summer community feeding program running at Central Mountain Middle School with distribution constraints.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6076697,"Parents and board spar over cuts to elementary librarian positions; district will keep one lead librarian, use paraprofessionals and reassign staff",393,2760000,3153000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2968245-6ddca8e6416bb450d78c1494d4c33129&start=2760&end=3153","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2968245-6ddca8e6416bb450d78c1494d4c33129/thumbnail_2760000.jpg","/articles/6076697/Pennsylvania/Parents-and-board-spar-over-cuts-to-elementary-librarian-positions-district-will-keep-one-lead-librarian-use-paraprofessionals-and-reassign-staff","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6076697-903d88d4c0d62c709bbff306922ea90b/orig.mp4?Expires=1776186097&Signature=KNvVHSncATLPyhm68Yjp2zEn8R-CjJBnE-CJaBBubHXqRAZ~RV1ioIyIxQmv~~2NGkVxupzgooJ26Z6Qm0cWsGOXPTPxR2fyGVrI~E0UHMbnklklBnYL13tVCerlmLAl4kdCcwCRkhFIDqdiCpCszv~IYFlcPw8SBAwAk3e5XZEGFop-OFH1IXdWA9obGkvcWWW6Q0vi~n32UWTXXKGS3Z-veE6vvWuwi7p4tPVfqnb2CmcS0IOnicXsGUX2m7WyPjESBmGz~AMtlv~6Y6u3pVXXa7Y6g6G80QBRoXtG1kTxvyzW26yEsjxMddLxc6zlGz~5~EV09X299~qXQxhKpw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Keystone Central School District board on April 10 faced public comment and extended discussion after administration proposed reducing four elementary librarian positions to a single lead librarian supported by paraprofessionals. The proposal would displace three incumbent librarian positions but — according to administration — allow those staff to fill other openings created by retirements, yielding a net reduction of three certified positions.

Why it matters: library instruction, digital‑literacy lessons and book circulation were singled out by parents and educators as core academic supports; community speakers and several board members urged the district to reconsider or delay the change while administration said the proposal was a financially necessary step to reduce professional staff without increasing class sizes.

Public comment and board discussion: Parent and educator Christina (first name only in transcript) told the board that students receive digital‑safety instruction, plagiarism prevention and reading encouragement from certified librarians and described a proposed shift to paraprofessionals and increased screen time as inadequate. She said the district planned to move from four librarians to one and that “hundreds of books” and shelving were to be removed, and called the change “devastating.”

In response, Dr. Robert Redmond (Superintendent) said district leaders recommended the move because the district must reduce overall positions. He said the administration planned the change so displaced librarians could be placed in open positions caused by retirements; the net reduction would be three certified professional slots. Redmond said the elementary rotation currently delivers roughly 20 minutes every sixth day of librarian instruction and that classroom teachers could incorporate that time into elementary schedules without violating contractual planning time.

Operational details offered: the district plans to retain one lead librarian who will teach middle‑school library electives, coordinate district‑wide library functions including weeding reports, and supervise paraprofessionals who will handle circulation and non‑instructional library duties at individual elementary buildings. Paraprofessionals cannot provide certified instruction but can model how to locate and check out books; classroom teachers would be expected to provide the instructional component formerly offered by certified librarians.

Board reaction: some board members said they had not understood the depth of elementary librarians’ contributions and asked administration for more information; others said staffing reductions must occur and that the plan preserved services while meeting fiscal constraints. Board members asked for further discussion at a policy or personnel meeting to explore partnerships with local public libraries, certification costs and possible alternative approaches.

Next steps: the change was presented as a recommendation and is part of the district’s broader staffing reductions in response to revenue pressures. Several board members asked administration to provide additional detail and to present options in a future meeting; administration said it would supply follow‑up materials.

","The board discussed a proposal to reduce four elementary librarian positions to a single district lead librarian supported by paraprofessionals; community speakers and board members warned of instructional and equity impacts while administration said the change reduces staff through attrition and preserves services.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":114,"_53":115,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":116,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":117,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6076701,"Keystone Central board directs staff to prepare budget assuming 1.78‑mill property tax increase after split vote","/articles/6076701/Pennsylvania/Keystone-Central-board-directs-staff-to-prepare-budget-assuming-178mill-property-tax-increase-after-split-vote","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6076701-a5c59e436a49a3705680a9ddbe5ef02d/orig.mp4?Expires=1776186097&Signature=Dg1CHN4iY5~oHwAIXA~6rwZTLSinbV2LPUMjz8gnz29ZHOAsdM~O0jXhGZX9l3U0HxFM2QY4YdTqOm3Pc-mYDkq0AWLCtUyeKCMXp12wbt9c7NJajhNmd-0B5H6-o0qSBkgQqT1D2zjn5sGYMTnZyDsfggizK0Ph5WwwGaun8jM4ACQkUwo9t~F1p41YFxwFBE4~sDRGvZugCvZ4Mpl09pJtgnx1IDQu3qp4QbpvfrA-4yRZvZs3QG8QtpMsplidrCgiH954aDHmz7QdZ96igCwzTEmIHJDzYoCBacvU1E0vlVNy7lsgE7Ue06jtajI6fWDenafWQhmybgEHmXXSxQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Keystone Central School District Board of Directors on April 10 directed district business staff to prepare the proposed 2024–25 budget assuming a 1.78‑mill increase in the local property tax rate, following a contentious discussion over cuts, services and the district’s structural deficit.

Board members debated whether to raise taxes at all before the business office must finalize numbers for the May budget presentation. Earlier in the meeting a motion to adopt a 0% tax increase briefly passed on a roll call vote, but the board later voted to send the administration a separate directive to proceed with a 1.78‑mill increase for budget development.

Why it matters: the board must give the business office a revenue assumption so staff can complete the proposed budget. Board members said they were split between avoiding any near‑term tax increase and taking a smaller, partial raise now to reduce future operating shortfalls. Supporters of the mil rate said smaller, regular increases are how the state’s funding model assumes school districts will maintain services; opponents said the district should intensify internal cuts first and avoid placing the burden on taxpayers.

Board discussion reflected those positions. Board member Chris (board member) argued against raising taxes now and urged deeper, monthly budget reviews to identify additional cuts before asking taxpayers for more revenue. Board member Roger (board member) said a modest increase would reduce a recurring deficit and warned that repeated zero increases in prior years left the district in its current strained position. Superintendent Dr. Robert Redmond (Superintendent) told the board the administration and business office need a clear revenue directive “so Joni can build the budget” to present on May 1.

The board’s direction does not itself raise taxes. Any final change to the millage rate will appear in the proposed budget and require formal board action at a later meeting and public notice. Board members repeatedly asked that administration provide more detail on where proposed personnel and operational savings will come from; Dr. Redmond said administration would supply follow‑up information in memo form or at the next meeting.

What the board decided (procedural): the business office was instructed to prepare the May budget using the 1.78‑mill increase revenue assumption. The board also heard that administration has identified roughly $1.8 million in reductions across discretionary operations and supplies and is pursuing attrition and other measures to reduce staffing costs where possible.

Looking ahead: the business office will present the proposed budget at the May work session using the revenue assumptions directed tonight. Any formal adoption of a new millage rate will follow statutory public‑notice requirements and a board vote.

","After hours of debate over staffing cuts and long‑term district deficits, the Keystone Central School District board instructed business staff to build the 2024–25 budget using a 1.78‑mill property tax increase; earlier in the meeting a separate motion calling for no increase briefly passed.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Votes at a glance: Keystone Central board actions April 10

Board approves elementary playground equipment but members debate rubber mulch health risks and costs

Food and Nutrition supervisor reports 5.6% rise in meals served; summer feeding to run at Central Mountain Middle School with limited pick‑up sites

Parents and board spar over cuts to elementary librarian positions; district will keep one lead librarian, use paraprofessionals and reassign staff

Keystone Central board directs staff to prepare budget assuming 1.78‑mill property tax increase after split vote