School board approves funding for FBLA national championship trip to Anaheim

The Tunkhannock Area School District Board made significant strides in supporting student achievement during their meeting on May 15, 2025, particularly with the approval of funding for students to attend the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) national championships in Anaheim, California. Six students qualified for the prestigious event, and the board committed to ensuring that all interested students could participate, with two staff members accompanying them.

The board discussed various funding sources, including a $25,000 match from Kotera and an additional $50,000 from the Stone shop, which will help cover the costs of the trip. This year’s participation marks a notable increase from last year, where only two students attended the competition in Florida. The board emphasized the importance of providing these opportunities for students, highlighting the excitement surrounding their achievements.

In addition to the trip approval, the board also reviewed and approved the 2025 proposed additions to the English department's book list. The list includes classic literature, such as works by Mark Twain and Edgar Allan Poe, which board members noted were highly vetted and beneficial for students.

Another key decision was the change of the flex spending vendor from CBIZ to OCA, which is expected to save the district 75 cents per participant, streamlining the process for staff and enhancing efficiency.

The meeting concluded with the approval of a service contract with the Pennsylvania School Boards Association for better unemployment compensation systems, although one board member abstained from this vote.

Overall, the meeting underscored the board's commitment to enhancing educational opportunities and operational efficiency, directly benefiting the Tunkhannock community and its students.