[{"_1":2,"_122":-5,"_123":-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",6063784,"mediaKeyId","3262901-330fa1fe9fb4264f7dfa9787e8a87a7a","parentId",3262901,"title","Board approves bills for payment amid questions about settlements, legal fees","audioSeconds",441,"startMs",1255000,"endMs",1696000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3262901-330fa1fe9fb4264f7dfa9787e8a87a7a&start=1255&end=1696","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3262901-330fa1fe9fb4264f7dfa9787e8a87a7a/thumbnail_1255000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6063784/Pennsylvania/Board-approves-bills-for-payment-amid-questions-about-settlements-legal-fees","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6063784-d225165863143fae9b51c1fd8bad20d9/orig.mp4?Expires=1770453069&Signature=FkRlZXVkTgRRpPqeAFHn~WnlX4PIqRJ-RNZaM0Kul45IunoZBBeXEIwpNn5vulbubsIRgdNoG9CDzlSSC2lIQxp7MVXWZYdtk5cnOC1YwdPQC14ApyljMlLFPHFp0NQB8zVHj2QOPx~JLu3RFXmo579xR2K7mW0qZpQhFRjD5vd3bDT7GP~1UDkAapKa0JtX394bDEVxxMBKxcbiLQA~11ZDmXQx4W4aq7SFt9b2pc6y~9ChqZvtTFSZSxIpjQorwFzIvAcWeM58ZrFoYkaWnod5l6T8k~6lNYhYJdxWw0vG6mM46rpujBE5GmFoUqIM3aAGmnk3GIkWSklVehlaOQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","","date","2025-05-09T17:17:45Z","article","The Keystone Central School District board approved the bills-for-payment report on May 8 by a 5-4 vote after substantial discussion about settlement payments and legal fees.

Several directors, including Elizabeth (referred to in the transcript as Miss Lynch/Donahue in different places) and Chris, objected to approving bills without fuller detail on settlements and legal expenses. One director said the bills included settlement payments and questioned why the board lacked a regular report listing active settlements, their durations and dollar amounts. Administration replied that some entries were settlements that had previously been approved by the board and that some settlement arrangements span multiple years or include educational payments to individuals.

Directors requested a regular schedule or format from the business office listing legal fees, the departments charged for those fees, and the gross fee amounts collected for taxpayer-elected services (for example, tax-collection fees). The board recorded opposition from directors who said items such as retirement social events should not be district-funded and reiterated concerns about oversight of discretionary expenses.

The motion to approve bills for payment passed with five yes votes and four no votes; the roll-call recorded votes included Miss Smith and Miss Donahue among the yes votes and Doctor Baldino, Mister Cannon and Miss Lynch among the no votes.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","May 08, 2025 - Voting Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","The Keystone Central board approved bills for payment after debate over settlement payments and recurring legal fees; several directors requested more transparent reporting on settlements and legal expenditures.","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},6063789,"Board tables Central Mountain Middle School hand-dryer purchase pending sewer-authority findings",1000,2603000,3603000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3262901-330fa1fe9fb4264f7dfa9787e8a87a7a&start=2603&end=3603","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3262901-330fa1fe9fb4264f7dfa9787e8a87a7a/thumbnail_2603000.jpg","/articles/6063789/Pennsylvania/Board-tables-Central-Mountain-Middle-School-hand-dryer-purchase-pending-sewer-authority-findings","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6063789-a3c7531298f5d3c0265581ea03d92505/orig.mp4?Expires=1770453069&Signature=ikDNchE3iXubM4qN4JsvkEhijOJe2zV2AYvks3wDJSh7Ca-U4jsFgxDl7hGyF4eV-zk6nH4m2OJ-iS2IzR7NLtjbb2nVlpq9KsSsSVRo188TPsS709CjwytkqEZUUBrN4DamaHFHnaWdE1~zWVQySFYzBKUqQ78gjPU~iej9j801MuFnVazMU~VkNEerUUs6-TlC7o4bQLI-q7wTU5LUhFfEsSmuFzZvGqLjPCSMcQI2itNrCFgTIr2K0GNMfslhF7NerPN~iP7MJ8wcg2J2Vd4~aVZGCsyGpTs-l6qxpVPjFvy-LyV4Jk8oCgliYGWInDmEmRxuY6~mZpMbYjLB8Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Keystone Central School District board tabled a proposal to install electric hand dryers in up to 10 student bathrooms at Central Mountain Middle School after extended discussion about whether paper towels or grease in the district's sewer lines are causing repeated sewer clogs.

Administrators and board members described reports from Mill Hall Borough that paper towels had been found in collection points and that grease was also present in the lines. Facilities staff (Sam, the facility supervisor, referenced in the meeting) said he would provide cost estimates for equipment and electrical installation at a future facilities committee meeting.

Directors differed over the remedy. Some directors said hand dryers would reduce paper-towel disposal and ongoing sewer maintenance costs. Others cited health and hygiene research and argued paper towels can be superior to electric hand dryers for limiting washroom contamination; several speakers referenced guidance from health bodies in the discussion. Several board members also suggested the district investigate grease-trap maintenance and other upstream controls before spending on equipment.

Multiple directors urged tabling the proposal until Mill Hall Borough's sewer authority meets and the borough provides its findings; the board approved tabling the item and requested that Sam or another staff member attend the borough meeting to gather information.

No purchase was authorized at the meeting; the item will return to the board after the sewer authority's report and a facilities-cost estimate are available.","The board paused a proposal to install hand dryers at Central Mountain Middle School after directors expressed uncertainty whether paper towels or grease in sewer lines are the cause of repeated clogging; the item was tabled until Mill Hall Borough sewer authority meets.",{"_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},6063794,"Board tables vote on judicial sales list pending solicitor consultation",600,1896000,2496000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3262901-330fa1fe9fb4264f7dfa9787e8a87a7a&start=1896&end=2496","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3262901-330fa1fe9fb4264f7dfa9787e8a87a7a/thumbnail_1896000.jpg","/articles/6063794/Pennsylvania/Board-tables-vote-on-judicial-sales-list-pending-solicitor-consultation","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6063794-74d2900b9ffc029224f9b179091ebe5e/orig.mp4?Expires=1770453069&Signature=aaIRj0Kpg2vH-3jw62ay11wjxyn913gC~16uGhn8~nomHSJWgYBhsINttx-SrpRrx78mnBv51xWwpztFpBIKC0fdoi2p-VeA0ScpPUZbBAyrw2frrg3fzE29jIA8a4JX88P~s-aE2zqoYwom2YGsbhZMTJZpkNt6XQOsCW4RnpgUKl1uPhMQleEFBCcTm~MG1LbTKfNprn0t~ub4LLHjOXyFwr0lmB6CsLYjMbYXBYWKk51WEUvTsNCgeDerD2GPmI4hIeYRCC022uxMZtOPkNhgpsgL408XHqM0IBwVwCGMOJpqOtfRs2k1uyQSQkwJSP~fr4LqOk107sXCNsLpXg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Keystone Central School District board discussed a county judicial-sales list on May 8 and voted to table a decision until the board could consult with its solicitor.

Several directors criticized the judicial-sales process under state law, saying properties sold in judicial sales are often struck at nominal prices (for example, $250 or $500), which then resets assessed values at an artificially low level and reduces future tax revenue to the school district and other taxing authorities. Board member Butch said the system's mechanics allow purchasers to acquire properties for nominal amounts and then be assessed at that lower sale price until a reassessment or significant renovation occurs.

Directors noted they had little ability to change the state-level law that governs judicial sales, and they discussed the trade-off between approving the sales list now and the potential for incurring legal costs if the board objects. One director suggested that if the board voted no, the county could schedule a hearing that might require the district solicitor's attendance.

A motion was made to table the item pending consultation with the district solicitor; the board approved the tabling motion. Directors said they will request solicitor guidance and then revisit the item at a subsequent meeting.","Directors expressed frustration over judicial sale appraisals and potential loss of tax revenue; the board voted to table the county's judicial-sales list until they consult the district solicitor.",{"_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},6063799,"Board approves MOU to change special-education supervisor post from 260 to 210 days",945,3680000,4625000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3262901-330fa1fe9fb4264f7dfa9787e8a87a7a&start=3680&end=4625","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3262901-330fa1fe9fb4264f7dfa9787e8a87a7a/thumbnail_3680000.jpg","/articles/6063799/Pennsylvania/Board-approves-MOU-to-change-special-education-supervisor-post-from-260-to-210-days","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6063799-00120312ddf072bb7af09e11f6a58b1a/orig.mp4?Expires=1770453069&Signature=ewgfGjzR6oV-R4LeuJZQv5R6tsOHiBjPGCJ-Hg9t3bkNd7C~DZ19arFBMQURI3eBfJ~io2ueI5ZbX8ve92koaG7L6S1NbfKgkXgjQAPf7d1gpj8~hrwsXuvOyAVaA8rrOBcyi2ZqzMZmpD1hCXzEzFLu3Yji3Xlv2RSifw6zT9-RZJCOy6W75FLYLe4O~pr2lvjcj8rjm0KGrQYYibsqbe~rmjOYmBrt3nB7w-2e3v1MQU8timBijKCjmCaJRhoKuDqTgWIB~2CrqfZ-h~QjPriIbaBH84lHC2Lq5eAyIrdkSMD5K9UzgybPxQZJ0or5vuVYslHId2jPNWhtzrLfVw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Keystone Central School District board voted to approve an MOU that changes a supervisory special education position from a 260-day role to a 210-day role, with the intent to lower salary and benefits costs while retaining supervisory coverage during the school year.

Administrators said the existing supervisor recently retired and that the MOU authorizes conversion of the position's work-year parameters so a successor can be hired under the new schedule. Board members asked whether the district would lose capacity for compliance and Individualized Education Program (IEP) oversight; administration and other directors said the heavy workload for special education occurs during the school year and that the shortened-year position still provides critical support to the supervisor of special education.

Several directors said they lacked background materials from personnel committee deliberations and requested clearer organizational charts (flowcharts) and staffing maps so the board could evaluate how responsibilities would be reassigned when a current employee moves into the role. Supporters of the MOU said the district analyzed summer workloads with the special education supervisor, who indicated the bulk of the work occurs during the school year and that the proposed 210-day model would preserve in-year coverage while producing savings.

The motion to approve the MOU for the Act 93 supervisor position passed in roll call; the transcript records one no vote (Mister Scapp) and a majority of yes votes from other directors. The board discussion noted the district currently supports roughly 800 students with IEPs (as reported in the meeting) and that inadequate staffing in special education can increase legal and settlement risk if IEP compliance is not met.

No appointee to the redefined position was named at the meeting; administration indicated candidate selection and any appointment would follow at a future meeting.","The board approved a memorandum of understanding to convert a supervisor of special education position from a 260-day to a 210-day role; directors pressed for more transparency about workloads and compliance risks for 800+ students with IEPs.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":46,"_45":115,"_47":116,"_49":117,"_51":118,"_53":119,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":120,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":121,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6063804,"Keystone Central board approves final general fund budget over taxpayer-cut objections",196,1892000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3262901-330fa1fe9fb4264f7dfa9787e8a87a7a&start=1696&end=1892","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3262901-330fa1fe9fb4264f7dfa9787e8a87a7a/thumbnail_1696000.jpg","/articles/6063804/Pennsylvania/Keystone-Central-board-approves-final-general-fund-budget-over-taxpayer-cut-objections","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6063804-aeaa598d427ac619be8ababd1f1f8427/orig.mp4?Expires=1770453069&Signature=F9qJY7ovJQDq8fM-SUICAk7xsQXSZ68w44U3ymcpsS6VgsWeziKXP-qrinGUqqqd4uodMIAPGIwHtACmdEFr2sQ9WYkRpLFo3FJRb574rad13je9S2HC0XTy4-IGzcwl9K95WVAWlvYu3KXNfRBTvODOF~9QgGl0oSbshH36HCI4Yzusqta5jwm0fzFEZ4~8CtB3tbyOZ9iOvCYgC2Ve4F-VJr176s66Xa4b~HaFowt5rbJO1nvNtVm8uFY6B~C17bdljowaQaN6a4zGYPGnYuP4Auie4uW0gmIXQpemG1fWITEgs9NnI90bJj0AAPQwtqMdHmWQNtycFPwC6MnOPA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Keystone Central School District board of directors approved the district's final general fund budget on May 8 after a 5-4 roll-call vote.

Board members who opposed the measure said the district had not done enough to trim spending and that the budget risked forcing future tax increases. Board members who supported the budget said it reflected necessary operating needs and that ongoing departmental review processes could be strengthened later.

The debate concentrated on whether the board should require more frequent, line-by-line budget reviews with administration. Board member Chris (referred to in the transcript by first name) urged the board to review a different section of the budget each month with administration to identify cuts and limit tax pressure. Miss Donahue and others said monthly engagement with administration on departmental spending would be useful; Miss Lynch and Doctor Baldino opposed the budget as presented.

Supporters of the budget said the district has operational needs that must be met and that some spending is tied to legally required programs, including special education. The motion to adopt the final general fund budget passed with five yes votes and four no votes. The roll-call recorded the following responses: Miss Smith, Miss Donahue, Mister Elling, Mister Johnson and Mister Knopp voted yes; Doctor Baldino, Mister Cannon, Miss Lynch and Mister Scapp voted no.

The board did not adopt additional, binding directions to administration at the meeting beyond the budget approval. Several directors asked administration to present more granular, periodic reviews going forward so the board could evaluate departmental expenditures in detail.

The budget approval is a formal step toward adoption of the district's spending plan for the coming fiscal year; the transcript did not specify the total dollar amount or any planned tax rate changes.","The Keystone Central School District board approved the district's final general fund budget after a 5-4 vote, despite several directors urging deeper cuts and monthly budget reviews to avoid tax increases.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Board approves bills for payment amid questions about settlements, legal fees

Board tables Central Mountain Middle School hand-dryer purchase pending sewer-authority findings

Board tables vote on judicial sales list pending solicitor consultation

Board approves MOU to change special-education supervisor post from 260 to 210 days

Keystone Central board approves final general fund budget over taxpayer-cut objections