Tunkhannock School District faces budget deficit while celebrating senior achievements

The Tunkhannock Area School District Board meeting held on May 15, 2025, addressed several key topics, including budget concerns, community events, and upcoming school activities.

The meeting began with a significant announcement regarding the district's financial outlook. The superintendent reported a projected multimillion-dollar deficit for the next year's budget, indicating that difficult discussions about staffing and student programs would be necessary in the coming month. The superintendent emphasized the need for advocacy, having recently spent a day in Harrisburg speaking with legislators about the challenges faced by rural school districts and the perceived inequities in the governor's proposed budget.

Following the budget discussion, the meeting highlighted the success of the annual senior community awards night, where approximately 100 scholarships were awarded, totaling hundreds of thousands of dollars. The superintendent expressed gratitude to the community for their support of the scholarship program.

The board also encouraged community involvement in upcoming events, including a home playoff game for the top-ranked softball team on May 20 and the annual fun day event on May 21, which will host students with special needs from surrounding districts. The event is organized by the district's special education staff, showcasing the district's commitment to inclusivity.

As the school year approaches its end, the superintendent reminded attendees of the upcoming graduation ceremony scheduled for June 6 at 7:00 PM, urging the community to attend and celebrate the achievements of the senior class. The superintendent acknowledged the hard work of students, parents, staff, and the school board throughout the year, marking it as a successful school year.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the district's financial challenges while celebrating community support and student achievements, setting the stage for important discussions and events in the coming weeks.