[{"_1":2,"_100":-5,"_101":-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],{"_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",6603367,"mediaKeyId","3000327-bb0da1adb69a7a9681643c37706c8cbb","parentId",3000327,"title","Board approves consent items, bids and agreements; flexible-instruction policy passes amid split vote","audioSeconds",2529,"startMs",5234000,"endMs",7763000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3000327-bb0da1adb69a7a9681643c37706c8cbb&start=5234&end=7763","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3000327-bb0da1adb69a7a9681643c37706c8cbb/thumbnail_5234000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6603367/Pennsylvania/Board-approves-consent-items-bids-and-agreements-flexible-instruction-policy-passes-amid-split-vote","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6603367-f2a9f91282d7fc9cba14436c0126d1e5/orig.mp4?Expires=1771144808&Signature=bu03zO6Gzx8hwJgzELeImeLfTvwxyL0qnWC9Wpb-98ZmWjjL-zrYpTWkQ6HfiozEiTtwAobIqcIvDdTuFsOTKJtMee4~p4E36FvkkZ7-WnjbV622wMxkNJEHLOigN4pXw2GFv4CXQChNJhHDhXfAIJ9UdzTeL4A~l8TzWG1F0XrKZdL6hNFO~aOtWLBn05Kjuislx265DfrDOmhvsnIhWiQpeUnDmWDCO~V~OdbNytWJUDh~pAQVeTJ5aG1s1PyFPpLoThN5O69xId62MRlts6aRxbW~1e9pGJvE5WSaQO2ot9RD5aIW9ZxjHLFgWH3CWPG7djnGbDA8pfH~U4lTLw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Dover Area School District","date","2025-04-16T01:34:40.467Z","article","The Dover Area School District Board of Directors approved a slate of consent agenda items, contracts and bids during its business meeting and took action on several personnel and operational matters.

Votes at a glance (key items and outcomes)
- Human-resources consent agenda — Approved (vote: 8 yes). The board approved routine personnel items on the consent agenda.
- Obsolete-items disposal — Approved (vote: 8 yes).
- Minutes (listed agenda items) — Approved (vote: 8 yes).
- Bills Pay Report — Adopted (vote: 8 yes).
- Treasurer’s Report — Adopted (vote: 8 yes).
- Waiver of Expulsion Agreement (item listed with identifier 4032025, agenda notation corrected during roll call) — Approved (vote: 8 yes).
- Waiver of Expulsion Agreement (item 4102025) — Approved (vote: 8 yes).
- Dover Borough lease-extension request for park use — Approved (vote: 8 yes). The board extended an existing lease with Dover Borough to allow the borough to apply for a grant to fund park improvements; the lease terms remain largely unchanged with a new expiration date reflecting the extension requested by the borough.
- Thaddeus Stevens College/High School agreement (2025–26) — Approved (vote: 8 yes).
- Facility study contract — EI Associates proposal approved (vote: 8 yes). The board authorized hiring EI Associates to perform facility studies with a $5,000 application credit that will be applied to subsequent work.
- Crosswalks installation (D.E. Gammel bid for three crosswalks) — Approved (vote: 7 yes, 1 no). The Facilities and Safety Committee recommended the project; the board approved the D.E. Gammel bid for crosswalk work to improve pedestrian safety on routes near district properties.
- Intermediate Avenue paving (York Excavating Co., $26,495) — Approved (vote: 8 yes). Dover Highlands committed $10,000 toward the cost; the district’s share is $16,495. Board discussion noted the township will assume future maintenance after the project.
- Land-lease agreement for farm property — Approved (vote: 8 yes).
- Field trip (PAFFA State Convention, Penn State, June 10–12, 2025) — Approved (vote: 8 yes).
- 2025–28 Special Education Plan — Approved (vote: 8 yes). Directors noted the paperwork required by the Pennsylvania Department of Education and requested minor clarifications on accountability language.
- Flexible Instruction Days Application — Approved (vote: 6 yes, 2 no). The board authorized the district to use flexible-instruction days (remote/virtual instructional days as permitted by state rules) if needed; the vote was split, with two directors opposing.
- Policy actions: Policies 103 (Discrimination and Sexual Harassment Affecting Students) and 104 (Discrimination and Sexual Harassment Affecting Staff) — Adopted after second reading (vote: 8 yes). Policy 815.1 (Use of Generative Artificial Intelligence in Education) — Tabled (vote to table: 7 yes, 1 no) after members raised drafting and structural issues and asked administration to return with a revised document.

Why it matters: The board’s approvals allow planned maintenance, safety improvements and contractual work to proceed. The split vote on flexible-instruction days and the tabling of the generative-AI policy indicate continuing debate over instructional models and technology governance.

Record of motions and outcomes (structured)
- motion: \"Approve consent agenda (Human Resources)\"; mover: Director Emmick; second: Director Wolverton; outcome: approved; vote: 8 yes.
- motion: \"Approve obsolete items\"; mover: Director Anneg; second: Director McKinney; outcome: approved; vote: 8 yes.
- motion: \"Adopt minutes\"; mover: Director Emmick; second: Director Wolverton; outcome: approved; vote: 8 yes.
- motion: \"Adopt Bills Pay Report\"; mover: Director Emmick; second: Director McKinney; outcome: approved; vote: 8 yes.
- motion: \"Adopt Treasurer's Report\"; mover: Director McKinney; second: Director Emmick; outcome: approved; vote: 8 yes.
- motion: \"Approve waiver of expulsion agreement (4032025)\"; mover: Director Kindig; second: Director Hogan; outcome: approved; vote: 8 yes.
- motion: \"Approve waiver of expulsion agreement (4102025)\"; mover: Director Emmick; second: Director McKinney; outcome: approved; vote: 8 yes.
- motion: \"Approve Dover Borough lease extension\"; mover: Director Emmick; second: Director McKinney; outcome: approved; vote: 8 yes.
- motion: \"Approve Thaddeus Stevens College/High School agreement (2025–26)\"; mover: Director Emmick; second: Director McKinney; outcome: approved; vote: 8 yes.
- motion: \"Approve EI Associates facility-study proposal\"; mover: Director Hogan; second: Director Meese; outcome: approved; vote: 8 yes.
- motion: \"Approve D.E. Gammel bid to install three crosswalks\"; mover: Director Hogan; second: Director McKinney; outcome: approved; vote: 7 yes, 1 no.
- motion: \"Approve York Excavating bid for Intermediate Avenue paving\"; mover: Director Hogan; second: Director Emmick; outcome: approved; vote: 8 yes.
- motion: \"Approve land-lease agreement (farm property)\"; mover: Director Emmick; second: Director Meese; outcome: approved; vote: 8 yes.
- motion: \"Approve field trip (PAFFA State Convention, Penn State)\"; mover: Director Emmick; second: Director McKinney; outcome: approved; vote: 8 yes.
- motion: \"Approve 2025–28 Special Education Plan\"; mover: Director McKinney; second: Director Meese; outcome: approved; vote: 8 yes.
- motion: \"Approve Flexible Instruction Days Application\"; mover: Director Hogan; second: Director Emmick; outcome: approved; vote: 6 yes, 2 no.
- motion: \"Adopt policies 103 and 104 (second reading)\"; mover: Director McKinney; second: Director Kindig; outcome: approved; vote: 8 yes.
- motion: \"Table Policy 815.1 (Generative AI)\"; mover: Director Emmick; second: Director Kindig; outcome: tabled; vote: 7 yes, 1 no.

Clarifying notes
- Several agenda items included roll-call votes and the clerk called each vote; many items passed unanimously (8–0) as recorded on the roll call display.
- The Dover Borough lease-extension approval preserves existing lease terms and extends the expiration date so the borough can apply for a 25-year grant-eligibility term.
- The Intermediate Avenue paving had a outside cost-share: Dover Highlands will provide $10,000 toward the $26,495 bid; the district’s net cost is $16,495.

Speakers referenced in the votes article (selected)
- Mrs. Allman — Board clerk (called votes) (government)
- Mr. Pratt — Solicitor (explained Dover Borough lease history) (government/contract)
- Mr. Fluke — Facilities staff (spoke about crosswalks and bids) (government)

Searchable tags: [\"consent agenda\",\"bids\",\"crosswalks\",\"EI Associates\",\"paving\",\"flexible instruction days\",\"policy 815.1\"]","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Dover Area School District Board of Directors Meeting 4/15/2025","oneSentenceSummary","The Dover Area School District Board approved human-resources consent items, minutes, financial reports, several contracts and bids, and placed one generative-AI policy on hold. The flexible-instruction days application passed 6–2.","taxTitle","Dover Area SD, School Districts, Pennsylvania","taxId",76670,"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},6603371,"North Salem Elementary’s 'Friend Friday' gives fifth-graders leadership roles, board hears",597,34000,631000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3000327-bb0da1adb69a7a9681643c37706c8cbb&start=34&end=631","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3000327-bb0da1adb69a7a9681643c37706c8cbb/thumbnail_34000.jpg","/articles/6603371/Pennsylvania/North-Salem-Elementarys-Friend-Friday-gives-fifth-graders-leadership-roles-board-hears","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6603371-9e535aa409821bfe48065d5242e3d2b4/orig.mp4?Expires=1771144808&Signature=DrC1Ir2xKmH0fmL2i49oiq-9zi8IuIHR5vAq-VNQfxtrAFyc3FKjdCAU8n~1astMtBp001~Q4X6~gRuG6J~CDGj6~UfSmoCBU-IMlOIhX6umQbgCyIiQ8T~2LLs5KP8-VoCEx7UsqLeuRCtJhePnASApwqQf1Xkf2y~lvY5gliO5YqNsM8JYF~8gKNiH72GM5Dbf3gbO7cpe8fCyNpjUuOpV731M6BcQRasDNjqzpB1E23sLbcBum4QhL713YBstZxTgglmN7H5RfPi5yRCxCzWlpVWssVCT~qBDKD~kM4Tw~xwwujt6yc6T3-pnCbORrhubS9CBVlMKTXYvg69Cww__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","School administrators presented the Board with a short video and explanation of “Friend Friday,” a program at North Salem Elementary that lets selected fifth-graders work with younger students as an earned leadership opportunity.

Principal and staff described how teachers across grade levels submit requests for fifth-graders to assist in classrooms (for activities such as math flash cards, art prep or life-skills support). Students who meet weekly academic and behavioral eligibility criteria are chosen — typically 22–25 students per week — and spend roughly 30–40 minutes in the host classrooms during the district’s intervention block, administrators said. That timing ensures participants do not miss core instruction.

Why it matters: staff and directors told the board the program appears to increase student motivation and develop leadership skills among older students while creating positive interactions for younger pupils. The board discussed whether the model exists in other elementary schools; administrators said Friend Friday was new to North Salem this year and they were not certain how it compares across all buildings.

Details and procedure
- Teachers fill a form listing how many student helpers they need and the tasks they will assign. The fifth-grade team reviews requests and selects eligible “above-and-beyond” students.
- Typical weekly participation is about 22–25 students spread across kindergarten through fourth grade and encore classes; students do not always get their first-choice placement so offerings are distributed fairly.
- The program evolved from previous fifth-grade leadership work (the Proud Council) and was created by two fifth-grade teachers with the school librarian/makerspace teacher.

Quotes
\"It has just really morphed into something much bigger than we ever imagined,\" one North Salem staff member said, describing the program’s popularity.

\"We do this during our intervention block. So those students are not missing any of our core learning,\" a teacher explained.

Speakers referenced and attribution
- Mrs. Morley — North Salem staff (teacher) explained the selection form and logistics.
- Mrs. Hensel — (co-presenter/teacher) described student reactions and requests from other teachers.

No formal board action was required for this presentation. Directors praised the program and suggested it might be a model worth promoting to other elementary schools in the district.

Clarifying details
- Typical participants per week: 22–25 students.
- Time students spend: approximately 30–40 minutes per visit.
- Eligibility: staff said students must have completed weekly work, have appropriate behavior and no outstanding make-up work or tests.

Proper names: North Salem Elementary, Friend Friday

Searchable tags: [\"Friend Friday\",\"North Salem\",\"student leadership\",\"elementary\",\"Dover Area SD\"]","Administrators presented a short video and staff described 'Friend Friday,' a program that lets exemplary fifth-graders earn time mentoring younger students during intervention blocks.",{"_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},6603376,"Dover Area School District debates tax, fund-balance options as budget shortfall looms",1197,913000,2110000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3000327-bb0da1adb69a7a9681643c37706c8cbb&start=913&end=2110","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3000327-bb0da1adb69a7a9681643c37706c8cbb/thumbnail_913000.jpg","/articles/6603376/Pennsylvania/Dover-Area-School-District-debates-tax-fund-balance-options-as-budget-shortfall-looms","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6603376-13bcb820e77b8580889c651982448d9f/orig.mp4?Expires=1771144808&Signature=mOF-oCZOAYlSrxvhAmVOaOptNkcxEyZkAxKpqL9sgHR1mllZanlLXx6naStONlImbajEmNQ57n6viKDMaroSu5uoczAmr3kc~EzoHGMW77HXZo1kZmSD2Kv5RYz4d9NMmSxWTdN5J8Ne1tqTHaxY~6VsVCCeaieztNeeYaGaf05TqiSp~72JT9q8WK9698Jf33S75AfrvjU~iQs5aTJIIQVW-PXnXW-Ec7CPJrwCrFalpaIJe9OWgL1tm5mfKaOjpjTNQkeWNY7bz2y059s5FJMuI7Pd474sHx~A9Z8I~5Sr4hdyeBVAv~bTU6UiIg5mQb5QOrtI9LkCHNIwftWWxg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Dover Area School District Board of Directors spent the bulk of its meeting Thursday reviewing budget scenarios that show a roughly $2.6 million increase in next year’s spending and debating how much of the district’s fund balance to use and whether to seek a modest tax increase.

Administrators, led by Chief Financial and Operations Officer Miranda Weaver and Dr. Hoeck, presented a matrix of options showing how variations in tax increases (0%–2.5%), savings from attrition and medical-premium reductions, and projected state “adequacy” funding would change the district’s fund-balance usage. Weaver said the presentation reflected updates since March, including two long-term substitutes added for fifth grade and a projected increase in the anticipated deficit.

Board members discussed three broad approaches: (1) adopt only identified automatic savings of about $227,000 (medical premiums and attrition) and take minimal additional cuts; (2) approve a set of strategic reductions in the roughly $177,000 range identified by one director; or (3) accept a deeper $400,000 package of cuts that would include field trips, some scholastic materials and athletic expenditures. No formal vote was taken; administrators said a final vote on tax settings will occur at the board’s May meeting.

Why it matters: the district’s choices affect classroom resources, the tax bills residents receive and the size of the fund balance available for one-time needs or unexpected costs such as litigation or capital shortfalls. Several directors urged caution about drawing down reserves given pending uncertainties, including litigation and a possible change in federal ESSER liquidation guidance.

Key discussion points
- State funding and adequacy formula: Directors noted uncertainty about next year’s state subsidies. Weaver and Dr. Hoeck said preliminary calculations looked favorable but were not guaranteed. Board members repeatedly cautioned that the adequacy funding formula could return less relative share than a property-tax increase.
- Earned Income Tax (EIT) and homestead/farmstead impact: Board members and staff discussed a possible EIT increase being considered by the county Tax Commission and how the homestead/farmstead rebate would offset property owners’ bills. Administration said preliminary household-level modeling showed a tipping point near $108,000 in household income where EIT would exceed the homeowner’s net property-tax change. Members noted renters and commercial property owners would not receive the homestead rebate, and landlords could pass costs to tenants.
- Fund-balance scenarios and recommended ranges: Presentations showed multiple scenarios; individual directors voiced support for different targets. Several members favored limiting fund-balance use to about $1.0–$1.25 million and considering a modest 1%–2% tax increase this year to avoid a larger combined increase next year if EIT is adopted or state aid falls short. Other directors preferred 0% tax increase and deeper expenditure reductions.
- Special-education and mandated costs: Directors and administrators described rising special-education placements and out-of-district costs as a major driver of budget pressure. The board discussed plans to bring some students back into in-district autistic-support classrooms to reduce outside-placement costs, but agreed savings per student would be relatively modest in the near term.
- Timing and next steps: Administration requested clear guidance so staff can prepare materials for the May meetings. Weaver said May 20 is the likely date for the formal tax-setting vote; the board asked for a narrower set of options to present publicly (for example: 0% or 2% with a specified list of strategic cuts).

Quotes from the meeting
\"If the board is happy with any of these selections then...that would come between now and the first meeting of May; this is what the board will vote on on May 20,\" Miranda Weaver, Chief Financial and Operations Officer, said, explaining the timetable for decisions.

\"I don't think it's wise to burn the fund balance...we need a 3-, 4-, 5-year projection,\" Director Emmick said, urging a long-term view.

\"I don't want to raise taxes...but we may not be able to sustain 0% increases every year,\" Director Hogan said, arguing a modest increase now could avoid steeper hikes later.

Discussion-only versus direction and decisions
- Discussion: The board held an extended discussion of options, trade-offs and the mechanics of homestead/farmstead rebates and EIT. No final tax rate was adopted during the meeting.
- Direction: Several directors signaled informal consensus that the $227,000 automatic savings are accepted; members asked administration to return with a narrowed set of options (examples included 0% or 2% tax increases with strategic line-item reductions) at the May meetings.
- Formal decision: None on taxes or cuts at this meeting.

Clarifying details
- Projected district deficit discussed in the presentation: about $2.6 million (described by administration as the baseline increase over last year). This figure was repeatedly referenced in conversation but not adopted as a motion.
- Automatic savings (not a cut): $227,000 (medical-premium decrease and attrition savings).
- Additional savings scenarios discussed: $469,000 (an upper-range scenario referenced when modeling fund-balance outcomes) and a set of candidate line-item cuts totaling roughly $177,000 that one board member cited as a mid-range option. Specific line-item examples mentioned: elimination of a pool-robot purchase (~$3,000–$5,000), reduced scholastic-news subscriptions, reduced CTE travel, and one-time graduation sound-equipment funding.
- Fund-balance usage options mentioned by board members: roughly $900,000 up to $2.6 million; many directors singled out $1.0–$1.25 million as a preferred cap given pending legal risks and possible ESSER uncertainty.

Community relevance
- Geographic scope: Dover Area School District (local). The discussion directly affects local property taxpayers, renters, and district staff.
- Impact groups: homeowners with homestead/farmstead exemptions, renters (who may bear pass-through costs), special-education students (placement and services), and general K–12 students affected by potential program cuts.

Speakers (selected, pulled from the meeting transcript)
- Miranda Weaver — Chief Financial and Operations Officer, Dover Area School District (staff)
- Dr. Hoeck — (administration; referred to as Doctor Hoeck in remarks)
- President Conley — Board President, Dover Area School District (government)
- Director Emmick — Board member, Dover Area School District (government)
- Director Hogan — Board member, Dover Area School District (government)
- Director McKinney — Board member, Dover Area School District (government)
- Director Meese — Board member, Dover Area School District (government)
- Director Whitmer — Board member, Dover Area School District (government)
- Director Kindig — Board member, Dover Area School District (government)
- Mr. Schram — guest/consultant referenced (appeared at Tax Commission meeting) (unknown)
- Mr. Pratt — Solicitor (legal counsel) (government/contract)

Authorities referenced (as discussed in meeting)
- Homestead/Farmstead Exemption (described in meeting as the vehicle by which EIT revenue is rebated to eligible property owners); referenced by staff and board as a statutory rebate mechanism (type: other; referenced_by: [\"budget discussion\",\"EIT discussion\"]).
- Earned Income Tax (EIT) county Tax Commission study (referenced as an external proposal being considered and as a factor for future budgets) (type: other; referenced_by: [\"budget discussion\"]).
- ESSER liquidation deadline and federal guidance (U.S. Department of Education letter and subsequent litigation mention) (type: other; referenced_by: [\"budget discussion\",\"superintendent remarks\"]).

Searchable tags: [\"budget\",\"taxes\",\"fund-balance\",\"EIT\",\"homestead\",\"special-education\",\"Dover Area SD\",\"Miranda Weaver\"]","Board members spent the meeting’s longest segment reviewing budget scenarios showing a $2.6 million gap, weighing a modest tax increase versus deeper cuts and use of reserves amid uncertainty over state aid and an Earned Income Tax proposal.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Board approves consent items, bids and agreements; flexible-instruction policy passes amid split vote

North Salem Elementary’s 'Friend Friday' gives fifth-graders leadership roles, board hears

Dover Area School District debates tax, fund-balance options as budget shortfall looms