[{"_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",6582486,"mediaKeyId","3091044-6499a02020ce7d8edc0f48918b2909db","parentId",3091044,"title","Students report on D.C. trip, testing schedule and NJROTC national finishes at Chambersburg Area SD meeting","audioSeconds",656,"startMs",1406000,"endMs",2062000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3091044-6499a02020ce7d8edc0f48918b2909db&start=1406&end=2062","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3091044-6499a02020ce7d8edc0f48918b2909db/thumbnail_1406000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6582486/Pennsylvania/Students-report-on-DC-trip-testing-schedule-and-NJROTC-national-finishes-at-Chambersburg-Area-SD-meeting","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6582486-bc988931ae662bcac158c37c194a78ed/orig.mp4?Expires=1771121254&Signature=mZDPPKKgKWV4XY38PWouTUajsufmpAwUHu2NL8o7uUU39x1PJeuCg1u4nGzmBhN5O4L8WoQESi5qwUDhucWJeDrC9YTvi~VdZrljTPBF8Ma~9JNPanalyrK7lAVgL~VoP5xPpJliwwHz3VsBTDzAOLdjyDh~342kIVod7k0eGAbMZ9RBgBU2TmlT2wW4eRaaJbfRnxwLIVmb-HGjYJ4Fmz0KOaZD2lfTCuYGaUPNNVDIei~UW7f0kKJUPpR58beE9YsaYrNmutJ51do0KlHMgemcwiPJbQ~TpLGJMC1n1rWzJwy~xVKC-iGkqS7t1FJhTZtVI0B~Gz-3ygjnqwl5YQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Chambersburg Area School District","date","2025-04-23T01:25:55.603Z","article","Student government and student organizations presented updates to the Chambersburg Area School District board on April 22, reporting on recent field trips, upcoming testing and competitive accomplishments.

Amra Islam, a Cassius High School junior and the school’s student government vice president, summarized a March field trip to Washington, D.C., which included visits to the Lincoln Memorial and the National Museum of African American History and Culture. She said about 40 students and three teachers attended and noted that spring testing (AP/IB and Keystone tests) is scheduled for May.

NJROTC leaders reviewed a year of competitions and awards. Cadet speakers described a high turnout in the AMI showcase, success at regional drill meets, and national placements: junior varsity orienteering placed 17th out of 42 teams at nationals and varsity placed 21st out of 44. The unit reported a top-five finish in Armed Regulation and several top-10 finishes in regulation drill at national-level competition. Cadets also reported receiving approximately $500,000 in scholarships across recipients, including two Navy ROTC scholarships.

Cadet presenters asked for the board’s support to showcase drill demonstrations at upcoming school events; a board member suggested holding a short performance at the district’s Color Day or Field House event. Students thanked the board for approving travel and opportunities and answered board questions about how competitions were run and how the teams fundraised.

The student reports were informational; no formal board action was recorded. The presentations highlighted student achievement and upcoming events the district will manage during May testing and end-of-year activities.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","April 22, 2025 School Board Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","Student government and NJROTC representatives updated the board on recent field trips, testing dates and competitive achievements, including national orienteering and drill rankings and scholarship awards.","taxTitle","Chambersburg Area SD, School Districts, Pennsylvania","taxId",38269,"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},6582491,"Chambersburg Area SD introduces rescue K-9 \"Gunner\" for school safety and education",741,729000,1470000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3091044-6499a02020ce7d8edc0f48918b2909db&start=729&end=1470","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3091044-6499a02020ce7d8edc0f48918b2909db/thumbnail_729000.jpg","/articles/6582491/Pennsylvania/Chambersburg-Area-SD-introduces-rescue-K-9-Gunner-for-school-safety-and-education","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6582491-edea27b00810aa5552a0abd9d1e9539b/orig.mp4?Expires=1771121254&Signature=TCWXNz9qPN4ZCAiujBqWMgUN5ayvEdKANVHAssP8s4WiI38xpNQ4JOTFxh05M1ZG02tsATsTKrNy4eOiTDOhr98rcRXdC9fTWi5-dPS7cUvT~CcfF3jpAa-ebAc-j4kh0L01Yf39cvIVFynEIPs1peb88z25Td7MeA0p5GdoRO5ycA6tlmaVX1pu3q6xUovWP63ZUeWMGHQL3ZSXCAZPsr1MIEjJsQexC573wAnhn8wj5J3BpV9g-~EsLeUNtEZeo69FvQ7COukaIFwjbVQwhtBSmVJ0RHj1pYJTXWP8Ybt-BZ47uGsiC8QbAwZ-v-lKqC7kSluK6dZIzCNlW3GqBA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Chambersburg Area School District heard a presentation April 22 introducing “Gunner,” a rescue dog certified for narcotics detection, and the district’s new K-9 program. Officers and administrators described training, community donations, and plans to use the dog both for targeted searches and for student-facing educational programs.

Officer Will Confer, the dog’s handler, told the board the dog was obtained through Sector K9 and trained for narcotics detection. “He is 3, almost 4 years old … He is trained in narcotics detection, and he can detect heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, and marijuana,” Confer said. Confer explained that Gunner completed training in Texas and that certification for marijuana detection was added shortly before the team arrived back in the district.

Confer described Gunner’s typical alert behavior: a change in behavior that might present as the dog laying down and staring at the area of the scent, sitting to point to a high location, or standing motionless in a confined space. “His normal alert, he’ll lay down and he’ll stare at the area where he believes the scent is coming from,” Confer said.

Chief Carter and Superintendent Mr. Bigger said the program was funded in part by grants and community donations. Confer named several local donors who provided support: Diamond Dog Food Company (food), Franklin Hardware (assistance securing donations), and the local nonprofit Protection for Paws (veterinary services and equipment donations). Confer described community outreach plans, including demonstrations in elementary and secondary schools and controlled visits to gym and cafeteria settings; he emphasized that searches are done by request and that staff must call the handler team to arrange searches.

Board members asked about how students react to Gunner and about how the dog signals alerts. Confer said students have responded positively but cautioned that petting is not allowed in large crowds to avoid stressing the dog. He said Gunner will continue monthly training (16 hours per month) and that the dog is scheduled for recertification in June. The administration and officers said the program aims to deter drug use and to provide positive interaction between students and officers through educational demonstrations.

No formal board action was recorded on the K-9 presentation; the item was informational.

Why it matters: The district’s K-9 program combines safety operations (targeted searches by trained handlers) with school-based outreach. The presentation outlined community support, training and planned recertification, all of which determine how and where the dog will be deployed.","The district introduced a recently acquired K-9 narcotics detector, a rescue dog named Gunner, trained for narcotics detection and planned school visits. Officers described training, certifications, community donations and plans for classroom demonstrations.",{"_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},6582492,"Chambersburg Area SD board votes to advertise $213 million 2025-26 budget after debate over 2% vs. 3% tax increase",1317,3379000,4696000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3091044-6499a02020ce7d8edc0f48918b2909db&start=3379&end=4696","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3091044-6499a02020ce7d8edc0f48918b2909db/thumbnail_3379000.jpg","/articles/6582492/Pennsylvania/Chambersburg-Area-SD-board-votes-to-advertise-213-million-2025-26-budget-after-debate-over-2-vs-3-tax-increase","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6582492-76aadf479a8ef6ad87bec3e2793c4c1c/orig.mp4?Expires=1771121254&Signature=Bs8aCMm0WvcwbAIg4KKhhKCuV58cyDlxiclHFOntf6LR3nX7zNcfVFc-8XBsBDjIwpesqCqsaIKv9L0-E1zEd5X1gnGBRm~sfIpO~faWwT06Ydpc~HQW9JkJRb1EiSauDAD1~mRsfOoTbsQUsBGNIRzSshFk32x3bxkKIwTCMzcc91ZLidK0JxgHXfhfQk3dV2WrZhZFWP8mUXkDwPJM7CR~ZXJ26ibUeY~KoNJjNM3gLVE5IA5UCOVV24F7a6BFSggH-X3RXq4HYBdZ9fWRYJMPJlhJtOshtK6ZJsNKLrrRJp~rzGugiZ5zAKe5lUuhXvlN88Tk0vaD4a9Z0WKkgA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Chambersburg Area School District Board of School Directors voted 9–0 to advertise the proposed 2025–26 general fund budget on April 22, approving a plan that lists $213,000,000 in expenditures and assumes a 3% tax increase.

The budget presentation was given by Tammy Stauffer, who described the proposal to advertise the district’s anticipated spending and revenue for the coming year. “Total expenditures of $213,000,000. Total revenue of $210,000. Does represent a budgetary reserve of $5,000,000 … with a 3% tax increase, projecting a slight deficit of $2,700,000,” Stauffer said during the board meeting. She added that the advertised budget is not final and that the board will vote on a final budget in June.

Board members debated whether to advertise at a 2% or 3% tax increase. Supporters of 3% said the larger increase gives the district more flexibility to build reserves and begin funding future debt service related to proposed major facilities projects. “I personally would rather see 3% this year rather than have to go to 5% next year,” one board member said, arguing a steadier increase would be preferable to a larger jump later. Opponents urged caution. One board member said she would not vote for anything above 2% and urged the board to avoid “tax and spend” perceptions.

Administrators described changes between the earlier 2% projection and the advertised 3% budget. Stauffer and other staff said moving from 2% to 3% added roughly $1 million in tax revenue but that other budget adjustments offset some of that gain. The administration reported reducing the capital reserve transfer by $2.5 million while increasing the healthcare transfer by $2 million and adding roughly $1 million to the debt service fund. Superintendent Mr. Bigger and budget staff emphasized that the governor’s proposed state budget and “adequacy” funding assumptions are included in the planning and that final state numbers (including homestead exclusion totals) will be available before the board’s June vote.

After discussion the board approved a motion to advertise the budget; the motion was made by Mrs. Gogler and seconded by Dr. Diller. The roll-call vote recorded nine ayes and no nays. Board members emphasized that advertising the budget does not finalize it and that adjustments remain possible before the June adoption vote.

Votes at a glance
- Motion to advertise the proposed final 2025–26 general fund budget (expenditures $213,000,000): Motion by Mrs. Gogler; second by Dr. Diller. Roll-call vote: 9–0 in favor. Note: final adoption scheduled for June.
- Capital reserve resolution (flexibility to allocate to capital reserve or future debt service): Approved (ayes have it) during the meeting; board discussion emphasized a preference among some members to prioritize debt service funding.
- Second reading and approval of Policy 815.2 (website): Approved by voice vote.

Why it matters: The advertised budget sets the public expectation for tax rates and for how the district will begin to finance a multi-hundred-million-dollar facilities program the board has been discussing. Advertising at 3% narrows the board’s options before the final June vote and drew public-facing debate among board members about the pace of tax increases and how much to prioritize building reserves versus funding immediate operations.

Board members asked the administration for additional detail on how “adequacy” and other state revenue assumptions will be spent (for example, how much of the state funds will be used for debt service, operations, or capital reserves). Administrators said they will provide those details and that homestead exclusion figures from the state and county will be available before the final vote in June.

The board also approved several consent-agenda items and the capital reserve resolution during the same meeting; those routine approvals were taken by voice vote or separate motions and are reflected in the minutes.","The Chambersburg Area School District board voted unanimously to advertise a proposed $213 million general fund budget for 2025–26 that assumes a 3% tax increase. Board members debated whether to advertise a 2% or 3% increase, and how much to allocate to capital reserve versus future debt service.","actionData","errors"]

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Students report on D.C. trip, testing schedule and NJROTC national finishes at Chambersburg Area SD meeting

Chambersburg Area SD introduces rescue K-9 "Gunner" for school safety and education

Chambersburg Area SD board votes to advertise $213 million 2025-26 budget after debate over 2% vs. 3% tax increase