[{"_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",6606395,"mediaKeyId","2965303-866158be41c2638130131470eaa099d0","parentId",2965303,"title","Springfield will seek board approval to buy two replacement buses at $184,006.78 each; delivery expected in 12–18 months","audioSeconds",104,"startMs",74000,"endMs",178000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2965303-866158be41c2638130131470eaa099d0&start=74&end=178","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2965303-866158be41c2638130131470eaa099d0/thumbnail_74000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6606395/Pennsylvania/Springfield-will-seek-board-approval-to-buy-two-replacement-buses-at-18400678-each-delivery-expected-in-1218-months","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6606395-e86cb6a1936034f5e3bf2ccdd59149e9/orig.mp4?Expires=1771147756&Signature=OOkjs4IXASPcmP~poZSqO7Yf2pnKOkqxObRI~t57PXIyxG89XmOz20GtAUeh~7OVzDGjV-nwKoXI2rjuExmsgKGlLpfT8St5-dzOrPX9KHVLuWGur4YLRL-4ZggTNYcwv2wEQn8QJvgOt9hR2B2rZ~oe0wAglmIX6NqgJm0L9DBy81wLlDqp0t~lI5F2kqebjBl3MahO4sson6lAqYfX5fH47AmaenjMw9ToE6joVZOl9O3gVjTeF5rTTWTpBcKS92jwyLZMm76myI0BQLuhqis9TdgKMDfua75cI5uAAXOvq4FPBIvtt3IJSzA7bi7HxNvoEvsObtbmn7i-H5a0Tw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Springfield Township School District","date","2025-04-11T19:16:50.743Z","article","Springfield Township SD business office told the finance committee on April 11 it received a firm quote of $184,006.78 per vehicle for two replacement buses and will request board approval at the April 22 meeting.

Kara Green (role/title: not specified) said the district had expected a price range between $180,000 and $200,000 and that the quote arrived closer to the lower end of that range despite concerns about tariffs and supply-chain pressures. “That is the actual quote. That is the number that we're locked into,” Green said when asked whether the price was firm.

Supply timeline and fleet planning
Green said manufacturers are quoting long lead times and the district is planning for a delivery lag of about 12 to 18 months. She noted the district will review the full bus-fleet replacement schedule at the next property committee meeting and incorporate the purchase into the five‑year capital plan.

Why it matters: the district identified two older vehicles for replacement and said continued increases in vehicle pricing reflect broader economic trends. The committee was told the Bluebird 02/2005 vehicle will likely be taken out of service soon; a 02/2009 vehicle will remain in service until the replacements arrive.

Next steps
The finance committee will forward a request to the board to approve the purchase of the two buses at the April 22 meeting. Staff noted no tariff surcharge is included in the quoted price and that fleet replacement timing will be coordinated with the property committee’s capital-plan review.

Ending
The committee did not take a vote on the purchase at the April 11 meeting; administrators will present the contract and quote details to the board for formal approval on April 22.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","SDST Finance Committee Meeting April 11, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Business-office staff told the finance committee the district received quotes of $184,006.78 per bus for two replacements and will request board approval on April 22; staff warned delivery lead times remain 12–18 months.","taxTitle","Springfield Township SD, School Districts, Pennsylvania","taxId",46479,"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},6606399,"Springfield considers volunteer emergency‑services property tax rebate; county model would scale payments by documented points",552,3978000,4530000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2965303-866158be41c2638130131470eaa099d0&start=3978&end=4530","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2965303-866158be41c2638130131470eaa099d0/thumbnail_3978000.jpg","/articles/6606399/Pennsylvania/Springfield-considers-volunteer-emergencyservices-property-tax-rebate-county-model-would-scale-payments-by-documented-points","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6606399-02b81ed0715827b3c4b47314636871e4/orig.mp4?Expires=1771147756&Signature=H5mbNZw5rUes4em7LdVpJtfu0C35tcaS9rjYpIfxoHpwk6rdcMQv4aJJwUsB1WvaFHAPZrk6DTd2NItws7C8nCTeSYT16X8WHLg0OJaruUmmSYGzQpsveGO4VRHle4vdfg4LzOrwkUDlIlymj15JV6a0PNmFiXmXwLvkxAx12YXyg6gy3PXl-fG~a8SOj56JuaJ67Qfw22GkJWQafzU4lzE6459s-NoQRB7a6Q7OJLCbq0kCeyeJrKwPYo3JZmhHeBzZqr~FgbFFoA-LirOxZbEO1CUW3fYwvWRbHYcm2tiQkf7nWX-XpAzghC4oOgNBgPLybWLjzAAjeSP4n3JV4Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Springfield Township SD finance committee on April 11 reviewed a proposal to implement two local property-tax rebate programs: (1) a local match to the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue homeowner rebate and (2) a volunteer emergency-services property tax rebate modeled on the Montgomery County program.

The proposal would mirror the county’s point-based volunteer rebate system and match the state homeowner rebate at the maximum $1,000 level, with the local payment prorated against the county point totals. Kara Green (role/title: not specified) said the district will need to assess budgetary impact and marketing to ensure eligible residents know to apply for the state rebate (a prerequisite in the proposed local match).

Chief Lesniak (role/title: Fire Chief) explained the county’s program and documentation requirements and confirmed there are about 85 members across the township’s three volunteer fire companies who would be eligible if they meet the point thresholds. “There are 85 members of the three volunteer fire companies in Springfield Township, who will be eligible for the program,” Chief Lesniak said, adding that not all eligible members will meet the full-hour requirements each year.

Why it matters: the proposed program is intended to support volunteer recruitment and retention for local fire and emergency services. Staff estimated the fiscal exposure would be significantly less than the maximum theoretical payout (85 × $1,000 = $85,000) because not every volunteer would qualify for the maximum payment. Kara Green said the district’s preliminary estimate last year for a local homeowner rebate program ranged from $30,000 to $40,000, though that was based on different assumptions.

Details and next steps
- Staffing: Jolene (role/title: Tax Collector) will collaborate on outreach and application materials; staff plan to use postcard/mail and website communications to increase participation.
- Eligibility and certification: the county requires point-based certification of volunteer activities by fire-company leadership; staff noted the tracking is detailed and often maintained in spreadsheets by the companies.
- Fiscal exposure: staff estimated the worst-case cost at $85,000 if 85 volunteers each qualified for the full $1,000; administrators said they do not expect to reach the maximum.
- Timeline: staff proposed resolutions to implement both the homeowner/local match and the volunteer emergency-services rebate when the board adopts the final budget on June 3, 2025.

Ending
Committee members supported the concept and asked staff to return to the board with a resolution and a clearer local-cost estimate. Chief Lesniak encouraged residents interested in volunteering to visit local stations on Monday evenings to inquire about membership and training.","Board staff proposed mirroring the Montgomery County volunteer emergency services rebate and adopting the state-local property tax rebate. Chief Lesniak said about 85 township volunteers could be eligible; staff recommended matching the state maximum rebate up to $1,000 pro-rated by a county point system.",{"_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},6606404,"Springfield Township SD completes Phase 2 bond sale; rating lowered to AA, sale yields multi‑million savings",390,228000,618000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2965303-866158be41c2638130131470eaa099d0&start=228&end=618","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2965303-866158be41c2638130131470eaa099d0/thumbnail_228000.jpg","/articles/6606404/Pennsylvania/Springfield-Township-SD-completes-Phase-2-bond-sale-rating-lowered-to-AA-sale-yields-multimillion-savings","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6606404-ad0aa33205cce960ca46c953d76f1f4b/orig.mp4?Expires=1771147756&Signature=VlssjnD4XuVZQsw1dAz7AVLNDVeSo2Nr~fnbSmi80dgXFmrIWAYmrnHMmPK3OOLj1AXNrS5BOT9lXVkvGa53PIBuLCPGA5QDq-zVZq~OAVJGPEg-1vD1UX9N6S9Jt0MizYsz1I9SYvM10LM1~yduaon6QOFXNeQR2V9Kwr6nsGCkjCPShI7Rvg-h4qOcu7jgQ4wG2GGKYxEoLgmjHwYlUGKF5rTl223vdbW0w2tvzqBAN9HMnjV1sumAck4VCjmlC0bbQnfHIjDHtHsuiE5VrwpbZ9U279zMVZ1zs9MI~d0uuzgam5e5m2y3Cq-VS-HVQErGrJ~MmxmgvUxQ3ypYEg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Springfield Township SD reported the results of a Phase 2 bond sale for the middle school project at the finance committee meeting on April 11.

Administrators said Standard & Poor’s downgraded the district’s rating from AA+ (with negative outlook) to AA with a stable outlook following the agency’s review. Kara Green (role/title: not specified) said the agency noted the district’s recent use of fund balance as a concern but affirmed the district remains in the top tier of ratings and removed the negative outlook.

“We went from a a plus negative outlook to a double A stable outlook,” Green said. She added that the downgrade had a minimal impact on the bond sale pricing. The district received three bids; the low bid yielded an interest rate of about 4.47% with other bids in the 4.85% range. Administrators said the favorable pricing produced about $2 million in lifetime savings compared with original projections and gave the district a roughly $123,000 savings in the 2025–26 annual debt-service budget.

Why it matters: the bond sale funds construction work for phase 2 of the middle school project. Administrators stressed debt management and a multi-year capital plan will remain priorities to support the district’s financial outlook.

Details from the finance presentation
- Rating: Standard & Poor’s lowered the rating from AA+ (negative outlook) to AA (stable outlook); the agency cited use of fund balance and peer comparisons of debt loads in its analysis.
- Sale results: three bids received; low bid ~4.47%; range up to ~4.85%.
- Financial effect: estimated lifetime savings of just over $2 million versus original projections and an approximate $123,000 reduction in annual 2025–26 debt service.
- Bond insurance: Green said the district did not need bond insurance, which would have increased costs if the rating were lower.

Next steps
Administrators said they will continue to develop a five‑year capital plan and the district’s forecasting tools to demonstrate improved fiscal balance to rating agencies. Kara Green said the district will circulate the full rating report and the bond presentation to the committee for review.

Ending
Committee members praised staff for managing the sale and noted that sustained efforts to close the gap between revenues and expenditures will be important if the district wants to regain its previous outlook with rating agencies.","The district completed a bond sale to fund phase 2 of the middle school project. Standard & Poor’s lowered the rating from AA+ (with negative outlook) to AA (stable), but administrators said the downgrade had minimal impact on sale pricing and produced interest savings over the life of the bonds.",{"_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},6606409,"Springfield Township SD finance committee advances proposed 2025-26 budget with 4% tax increase, warns of federal and state funding uncertainty",2516,1264000,3780000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2965303-866158be41c2638130131470eaa099d0&start=1264&end=3780","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2965303-866158be41c2638130131470eaa099d0/thumbnail_1264000.jpg","/articles/6606409/Pennsylvania/Springfield-Township-SD-finance-committee-advances-proposed-2025-26-budget-with-4-tax-increase-warns-of-federal-and-state-funding-uncertainty","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6606409-7db0eb0092c877aa538234e3d04aba89/orig.mp4?Expires=1771147756&Signature=jQPQDXKip2aJeo6XJfVgEi5ilPVA-3URnZKovI6AxnOYPmcOEOIwyAeSuZcElwg7y4W9g2dBtK1NWYZti3LgYWiNEgzBAxzBHKX312i2ISLJtd-sKkZL3uXE95YB56tpau0KBIAcCxvJ0rU2L3xkMf2VfPtK3tJ8uOsNU8hDuscIAmeom7C6FnXg4heBiUQzOrUW1sfkSefVLpA51jztI0Mcc1DEQ1o1kqBDaT8kdIbXgGYJxaUmAH70P1ltFccPazQP1KA4BNqg8l4Tid~88f7EbxCvOHA9arIzI5zi82ZvGHv3jX2f4t9avNbzKBgRWAatrGzryJoAcqcccLKMyw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Springfield Township SD finance committee on April 11 presented a proposed final 2025-26 operating budget that would raise local property taxes by 4% and use about $975,000 of fund balance to close a roughly $975,000 gap between projected revenues and expenditures.

The proposed final budget, which the finance committee recommended be approved at the board’s April 22 meeting, anticipates about $75.8 million in expenditures and roughly $75.0 million in revenues. Administrators said they are working to limit reliance on fund balance while preserving staffing and programming.

The proposed tax increase is expected to generate about $2.0 million in new revenue. Kara Green (role/title: not specified), who led the finance presentation, said the median homeowner would see a monthly increase of about $19.70 and an annual increase of about $239 before any homestead/farmstead credits. “We built this budget with a 4% tax increase,” Green said. She added that the final certified homestead/farmstead credit from the state (gambling funds) is not available until May 1 and will be incorporated before final adoption.

Why it matters: administrators said personnel and debt-service costs drive most spending and that uncertainty at the federal and state levels could change the picture between the proposed and final budgets. Dr. Yannickone (role/title: not specified), who presented curriculum and staffing updates, stressed that about 85% of the budget pays staff salaries and benefits and that negotiated contract increases are a major part of next year’s spending.

Key facts and assumptions
- Proposed expenditures: approximately $75,800,000; proposed revenues: approximately $75,000,000; planned use of fund balance: about $975,000.
- Budget timeline: the finance committee recommended approval of the proposed final budget at the April 22 board meeting; the district will post the budget for the 30-day PDE-required public review and return for final adoption on June 3.
- Staffing and contracts: negotiated increases for the teacher group (STEA) total about $1.3 million; other negotiated groups (STESPA and Act 93) add roughly $700,000 and $160,000 respectively; a confidential group agreement adds about $36,000. Administrators said new and adjusted positions (strings expansion, consolidation of two middle-school health/PE positions into one, coaching stipends and JV/wrestling positions) are included.
- Debt service and savings: refinancing and favorable bond sale results reduced debt-service pressure, lowering the fund-balance draw compared with the first-look budget.

Federal and state funding uncertainties
Administrators said they budgeted conservatively for federal grants, reducing expected Title I by 25% and eliminating estimated Title II and Title IV revenues from the draft budget to protect against abrupt federal changes. “We are being very conservative, and anticipating a reduction in Title I funds,” Kara Green said.

The presentation noted several specific risks: the federal budget runs on a September–August cycle while Pennsylvania’s fiscal year matches the district (July–June), which can leave districts exposed if federal decisions arrive after local budgets are adopted; recent federal restructuring proposals have moved IDEA-related oversight; some districts sought ESSER extensions, but Springfield used its ESSER funding on schedule.

State trends cited included a declining Act 1 index (limiting future local taxing capacity) and ongoing reallocation of state education dollars toward historically underfunded districts under the fair funding litigation, which has lowered Springfield’s state allocation this year. Administrators said cyber charter-reform discussions in Harrisburg could materially affect tuition outflows—the district currently pays roughly $685,000 for cyber charter students—and any reform could yield savings but timing and scope are uncertain.

Fund balance and historical context
Kara Green reviewed multi-year fund-balance history and reminded the committee that a one-time loss tied to a closure of Carson Valley created a large write-off for 2023–24. “That is what caused the flux in our 23–24,” Green said. Administrators said excluding that one-time charge would present a stronger operating picture but acknowledged the district must account for the write-off in audits and forecasts.

Next steps and votes
The committee recommended the board consider the proposed final budget at its April 22 meeting. If approved there, the district will post the budget for 30 days (per PDE requirements) and return to the board for final adoption on June 3. Administrators said they do not expect material changes but reserved the option for an extra June meeting if adjustments are needed.

Ending
If federal or state funding decisions shift over the next months, administrators said they will return to the board with revised recommendations. For now, district leaders said they have tightened staffing reviews, delayed some discretionary upgrades if federal funds do not materialize, and are prioritizing a stable outlook while minimizing further use of fund balance.","The finance committee presented a proposed final $75.8 million operating budget that assumes a 4% tax increase, $975,000 use of fund balance and negotiated salary increases. Administrators said federal funding and state reallocation trends create uncertainty that could affect the district’s plans.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Springfield will seek board approval to buy two replacement buses at $184,006.78 each; delivery expected in 12–18 months

Springfield considers volunteer emergency‑services property tax rebate; county model would scale payments by documented points

Springfield Township SD completes Phase 2 bond sale; rating lowered to AA, sale yields multi‑million savings

Springfield Township SD finance committee advances proposed 2025-26 budget with 4% tax increase, warns of federal and state funding uncertainty