[{"_1":2,"_124":-5,"_125":-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",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_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",6461201,"mediaKeyId","5825666-3cca3e7c4657ee70c5879cc1d4284942","parentId",5825666,"title","Scranton School District freezes discretionary spending as state budget impasse threatens operations","audioSeconds",362,"startMs",62079,"endMs",424260,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5825666-3cca3e7c4657ee70c5879cc1d4284942&start=62&end=424","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5825666-3cca3e7c4657ee70c5879cc1d4284942/thumbnail_62079.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6461201/Pennsylvania/Scranton-School-District-freezes-discretionary-spending-as-state-budget-impasse-threatens-operations","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6461201-62179c057cd792fef9baa59a21cad5f0/orig.mp4?Expires=1775183526&Signature=TYxtJXmqoWX3Et52x6HNIZLXLNABCIN1NKKDSPTFPIVrSwPPrxYloPEVubltsD60lh8uOnjUSzH8sY9kOjWMx0eWtlJA1ODqFnvM5hDupwHLbPdb25GVQs3SjYqzJqAVNdlYSABTBKiEhvqlSBGqDasf07pD~skow2ymt3Ayd9H90LOBoXG~okpSLqLEGIQCU~dSGk5rsU6NjcrwAM3zkuTwXH~GWK4hUg3-XYmiekODlTYUeFqV7dKlG1vUWHi3Y9PAm~UN30mNmwUfZuBU0q1z0nEYBTPqJrM63463w59Gz9VboPrUZBO4N73GUNvfXCBWO3I4cyVXmsEY3aO2Aw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Scranton School District","date","2025-09-24T23:57:27.953Z","article","Superintendent Dr. Aaron Keating told the Scranton School District operations committee that a continuing state budget impasse has forced the district to freeze discretionary spending and prepare for a tighter cash runway.

\"I have to at this point as a superintendent freeze all spending,\" Dr. Keating said, adding that the district is treating previously allocated budgets as zero for planning purposes while state subsidy remains delayed.

The superintendent and business officer said the district had approximately $32,000,000 in liquid cash \"as of late last week\" and that salary and benefits alone run about $9,500,000 per month. Keating summarized the immediate cash outlook: \"So just to make salary and benefits, you can say we have approximately 12 weeks of money. And we would be at a crisis — we would be at a crisis stage.\" Pat Laffey, the district's finance official, clarified that the $9.5 million figure covers biweekly payroll and health-care-related items but does not include employer pension payments, which are paid quarterly.

Nut graf: The district warned board members that, with state subsidy delayed and federal money not immediately forthcoming, it must prioritize health, safety and essential operations while exploring borrowing or state programs to cover near-term obligations.

Officials told the committee they expect some large payments ahead: the district faces approximately $7,000,000 in debt-service obligations payable in December. Laffey described the state's Act 85 intercept program that can make debt payments on a district's behalf during an impasse, and said the district chose not to enroll for the October payment but may opt into the program for December if needed. \"Any of those payments will be made by the state and on our behalf and taken from future subsidy payments,\" he said.

Board members discussed other short-term tools. Director Casey and others noted other districts are obtaining lines of credit; Laffey said Scranton could access a tax-revenue anticipation note but that because the district's fiscal year ends Dec. 31 a note would be due that same date, creating repayment risk if subsidy remains withheld. \"What complicates us a little bit is that because our year ends on December 31, any tax revenue anticipation note that we would take at this time would be due and payable back by 12/31,\" Laffey said.

The superintendent said he has spoken with union leaders and principals and will send a district-wide email to staff with the same information he presented to the board. Keating said the administration will act with transparency and will notify the board and community of actions taken.

Board members encouraged outreach to state representatives; several named local legislators who have been contacting Harrisburg on the district's behalf.

Ending: The administration told the operations committee it will keep the board informed as it pursues options — including short-term borrowing and possible use of state intercepts — and will report back on any decisions related to debt service, vendor payments or other cost pauses.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","2025-09-24 Scranton SD Operations Committee Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","Superintendent Dr. Keating told the operations committee the district has about $32 million in liquid cash and roughly 12 weeks of payroll runway; the district will freeze discretionary spending, monitor debt-service obligations and explore financing options if the state budget delay continues.","taxTitle","Scranton SD, School Districts, Pennsylvania","taxId",78422,"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},6461186,"Manicholas Plaza chiller and broader HVAC upgrade debated; replacement estimates range from $600,000 to $4.48 million",441,2440700,2882270,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5825666-3cca3e7c4657ee70c5879cc1d4284942&start=2440&end=2882","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5825666-3cca3e7c4657ee70c5879cc1d4284942/thumbnail_2440700.jpg","/articles/6461186/Pennsylvania/Manicholas-Plaza-chiller-and-broader-HVAC-upgrade-debated-replacement-estimates-range-from-600000-to-448-million","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6461186-d91c2b46d4f71a371cfa43984eb4f05d/orig.mp4?Expires=1775183526&Signature=iWLu2~yNdaBd85cOXiSXcrSjPn3dSzuVnqK9ZQLabh3vywRE-DctnVriCNGNuprVf7ziqPNFtKDQAqffOrWupAEMkhYgeWilfo76J2~mBm2mEuEC5hPg8lKlhQMy3KTtTqrATXyV~X4No2RnluddDGit5qDorR8YlTz0t-4sHkXh4Sk2G3W0a8uMuN-xZdRaAKWgJfr~6g0dGDAmRwN5UykffEWuugX0~Bj9aWgt1UHirtr0BI9PpKezgmdduXZeisn8Kj8PzcNaH~jvUHapWaI8nn9iZfosXBAIPdW7UBpEeoenKSfp5jE6PjBtJzMf70ofiNpqo85mS19fpj-GEQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Facilities staff told the operations committee they are evaluating options to replace a rented chiller at Manicholas Plaza and consider broader HVAC upgrades across district buildings.

Rob Rucker explained the district currently leases a replacement chiller after the original unit experienced a frozen water line; administration said replacing the internal unit would be complex because the chiller sits inside the building above the gym and would require roof or wall removal to crane it out. Rucker outlined cost options: a direct replacement (\"rip and replace\") with existing ductwork could be in the $600,000–$900,000 range; a more upgraded or modular approach would push to about $1.1–$1.5 million; a comprehensive rip-and-replace central HVAC replacement, including all ductwork and handling, is estimated in the district's 2023 feasibility work at $4,481,630.91.

\"The complexity in the just replacing — just rip and replace — is that the chiller is internal to the building, and there's no easy access to it,\" Rucker said. Administrators discussed modular VRF/VRV systems as an alternative to full ductwork replacement and noted trade-offs in cost and future flexibility.

Nut graf: Given high costs and installation complexity, the committee asked staff to continue feasibility analysis, provide formal proposals and include the Capital Asset/Facility Conditions work in planned studies so that any decision balances near-term repair needs and long-term renovation strategy.

Other facility matters: Members discussed ongoing water intrusion and remediation work at West High and the Administration Building. Servpro was thanked for cleanup work at several schools. Facilities staff said they are daylighting roof drains to reduce interior backups; a plumbing engineer concluded some sanitary/storm lines are undersized and that the district is redirecting roof drains to daylight out of the building. A board member requested photographs of elevator parts for a three-year-out elevator repair so a local machine shop might fabricate replacement pieces; administration agreed to attempt to obtain images and a parts report.

Ending: Facilities will return with bid-level estimates, proposed procurement approaches and a feasibility recommendation for the Manicholas Plaza chiller and broader HVAC options, and will include the facility conditions assessment work in next steps.","Facilities staff presented options to replace a rented chiller at Manicholas Plaza and discussed longer-term HVAC strategies across district buildings; estimates ranged from $600,000–$1.5M for modular systems to $4,481,630.91 for full rip-and-replace, and administrators flagged installation complexity and ductwork constraints.",{"_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},6461193,"Scranton operations committee advances athletic facility repairs: gym floors, pool timing system and field lighting",822,1090565,1912650,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5825666-3cca3e7c4657ee70c5879cc1d4284942&start=1090&end=1912","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5825666-3cca3e7c4657ee70c5879cc1d4284942/thumbnail_1090565.jpg","/articles/6461193/Pennsylvania/Scranton-operations-committee-advances-athletic-facility-repairs-gym-floors-pool-timing-system-and-field-lighting","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6461193-14df208341dd36a330b75aa49aceecae/orig.mp4?Expires=1775183526&Signature=Sf123Vk7-~A4vAe~OSrrgq2or30-R1uYSbwRZRVKauLXaoyYQDRoU8zK7luZZ7s~NoP2Wqh1B4EGuyEXimJ14Q5ZA024l-bRiLopsdV5jSnv0fNBhJdx-cPkbK-z-psDb7W8aHC09IKcNT1LYobs9GqInkPUqPbCbwJ8XbGvWWnZXbUYZ5JHfKoWSQkpBsvcuu8P5PQrsvLMM2WoyqkhX4cvGjE~TbjS21TBnh1hRQeLzKe7vLBulDvvAUGqvpYbFPOvqCL6Cz-rGqr4Wsvg1qu7FYBFiJYQ7FyA~nW9KIoh0u4dSAIzvXbK86Y62Xww6g8qeFqXcgM2hs1So8DyjQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The operations committee discussed a sequence of athletic-facility repairs and equipment purchases that administrators say are safety-level priorities and time-sensitive for upcoming seasons.

Scranton High gym floor: Rob Rucker, facilities director, and administrators recommended replacing the gym floor for safety reasons and presented pricing from Miller Sports. The base proposal was approximately $54,000; adding four volleyball anchor holes at the athletic director's request adds about $4,600 for a total \"out the door\" price of $56,001.20. Pat Laffey said the district would use capital reserve funds for the purchase and noted the capital reserve balance is \"give or take $27,000,000.\" Rucker said vinyl banners and other visual treatments could be produced now, while the projected floor-tech purchase would wait until state budget funds are available.

Pool timing system: The committee discussed a cooperative purchase for a replacement pool timing system and touchpads. Rucker said the cooperative-price purchase was \"approximately $55,000,\" including installation, and urged consensus to move forward because lead times range from two to 16 weeks. Committee members discussed using West Intermediate's functional timing system as a temporary alternative if delivery were delayed.

Field and stadium lighting: Administrators reported a short in power vaults led to service- and infrastructure-level work; the district has engaged PPL to install a new service at the Scranton High softball/soccer field to avoid an expensive long run of 500 MCM cable. The request for service was reported as submitted to PPL's business office. Memorial Stadium lights are working today but will require future replacement; administrators discussed an LED upgrade and noted existing poles no longer move for maintenance and require crane service.

West Intermediate and West High items: The committee reviewed a separate West Intermediate gym-floor repair (buckling) with an all-inclusive price of $29,004.10 and discussed West High weight-room and cafeteria air-conditioning requests, which administrators said will be pursued after the state budget situation is resolved. Members asked that a five-year capital-replacement plan for athletic equipment be developed to avoid recurring last-minute expenditures.

Nut graf: Administrators recommended using capital reserves for immediate safety repairs and advancing purchases with cooperative contracts where applicable, while holding larger technology purchases until the state budget clears.

Ending: The administration will schedule the Scranton High and West Intermediate floor work and return purchase timing details; the pool timing system purchase was recommended to proceed to avoid seasonal disruption.","The committee reviewed safety-driven repairs and equipment purchases for Scranton High and West Intermediate athletic facilities: gym floors (Scranton High $56,001.20 with volleyball holes; West Intermediate $29,004.10), a pool timing system (~$55,000), and field-lighting work with PPL. Capital reserve funds were identified for eligible projects.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6461198,"Administration authorized to pursue private sale of Samuel Morris property; realtor may begin outreach",308,712120,1020650,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5825666-3cca3e7c4657ee70c5879cc1d4284942&start=712&end=1020","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5825666-3cca3e7c4657ee70c5879cc1d4284942/thumbnail_712120.jpg","/articles/6461198/Pennsylvania/Administration-authorized-to-pursue-private-sale-of-Samuel-Morris-property-realtor-may-begin-outreach","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6461198-f9bb7c9adc03ad6f6a750267c2b3d675/orig.mp4?Expires=1775183526&Signature=ecKAkSJgJqh1vouEv7D~SW3R22qvpsIPkI851YSBJ~ID6UBvcDUAdDuas8k~K-Dj2BnI6iF1KMbLcbW1p2WKeiIURCbjOO0x5oRQU-2TV-UY4c~bcWf1n05COHknlkw92e0IqeVKvfdQGVErgpe-bYrxYEi-ye8fek~1NpZJjPC2dftMaG5OUs0un4xJqw2L6ycJttoYUdZf5X5-BE3rWnZFfVCcbJ73EwL5cpBd4a3wlkM9xVubSmGWhgOg38YhIAHThCwdmcBJySQ2xqrpxqUXS3V2pJ~tJp49w6fnjQ25lrMDw6mtx1ZgRnBXh-Ge5gSNyqa7JlyHkXdcB4HgOw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Board members told administration it may allow a local realtor to market the district's Samuel Morris property at no charge while the district completes the legal steps needed for a private sale.

Director Casey told the committee he received an email from realtor Pat Rogan offering to market the property without charging the district. \"If he sells the property, he wouldn't get any commission from the school district,\" Casey said in explaining Rogan's proposal.

Solicitor Joyce Carmi told the committee two legal paths exist: sealed bidding or a petition to the court to confirm a private sale. \"We wouldn't need a motion to hire the realtor if he's gonna work for free, but we do need a motion to authorize the private sale of it,\" Carmi said. She recommended marketing the property and, if an acceptable offer is received, petitioning the court to confirm the private sale.

Nut graf: The committee asked the administration to let the realtor begin active outreach immediately and placed a motion to authorize a private sale on the recess agenda so the board can formally authorize a court petition if marketing yields an acceptable offer.

Board members agreed the administration could let Rogan begin contacting potential buyers while legal staff prepares the required vote and court petition paperwork. Director Casey and others emphasized there is no financial obligation to the district because Rogan offered to work without a commission.

The committee asked the administration (Pat Laffey and the solicitor's office) for a status update by the end of the week on legal steps and marketing activity.

Ending: The committee will include a motion to authorize a private sale on its recess agenda; if marketing produces an acceptable offer, the administration will ask the court to confirm the sale.","The operations committee agreed the administration can authorize a realtor to market the Samuel Morris property at no charge and will place a motion to authorize a private sale on the recess agenda; attorney Joyce Carmi said a court petition will be required to confirm any private sale after marketing and offer review.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6461179,"Operations committee to forward Quandell as recommended construction manager; public deliberation scheduled",184,3235355,3420135,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5825666-3cca3e7c4657ee70c5879cc1d4284942&start=3235&end=3420","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5825666-3cca3e7c4657ee70c5879cc1d4284942/thumbnail_3235355.jpg","/articles/6461179/Pennsylvania/Operations-committee-to-forward-Quandell-as-recommended-construction-manager-public-deliberation-scheduled","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6461179-5626cf8e764a3d7dc760e2586dab7277/orig.mp4?Expires=1775183526&Signature=NRhfrVIEXTdtZaW7RNqVRZ8VnBMvpkiSrUq8wm9Uxb5T72aZ3AuCIHqefECHP~xp6rTEseRDF8NNq-TFT02pc0Nq~SWlx-liz8PsdnTl64FtPQ0kjobpas292UqjYRdm8uV4QqNwxNLRijH4fDEeL0h9J35dX9pFtju6fmnEiC26OdARMSQ-zvT5All-y01b6faUAijN5b2zE7ow69pDiAu-5jeAEM6ymohIp76Vf-8GsjgVABRq~Dr9KsoA6Kp1cm1tmXzk4Q-a~oAgRIo3z~RKN-LOdPdACae9K1yXEjgv83I4DxRJuo3UzHxGApl~I8QqFr2OG2A2dAbRR~XsAw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Scranton School District operations committee said it will move to recommend Quandell as the district's construction manager (construction manager at-risk/CMc) and will forward that recommendation to the Sept. 29 work session for public deliberation and subsequent board action.

Director Borthwick, a member of the operations committee, said he would recommend Quandell because the firm \"has district experience\" and has done work visible in local school projects. \"I personally, I'm looking at recommending Quandell... they have district experience. They have an excellent reputation,\" Borthwick said, noting the company's prior local projects and development work. Committee member Director Merkel and another committee participant (Marie) also said their review led them to favor Quandell.

Nut graf: The operations committee — composed of the committee chair, Director Borthwick and Director Merkel — will present Quandell as the committee's recommendation at the Sept. 29 work session. The committee requested all board members submit comments or rubric scores in advance so the full board can deliberate publicly on the work session date and vote at the October meeting.

Committee members emphasized the process is intended to be transparent: proposals were posted in a shared board drive and a rubric was provided as guidance. The committee asked board members to provide written feedback before the work session; public deliberation on the committee recommendation will occur on the work-session date, with a formal vote scheduled for the October meeting.

Ending: The operations committee will forward its Quandell recommendation to the board's Sept. 29 work session; staff will include the recommendation and make procurement materials available for public review.","The operations committee said it will recommend Quandell as the district's construction manager for appointment; committee members cited Quandell's past work in the district and on local development projects and asked other board members to submit feedback before the Sept. 29 work session and public deliberation.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Scranton School District freezes discretionary spending as state budget impasse threatens operations

Manicholas Plaza chiller and broader HVAC upgrade debated; replacement estimates range from $600,000 to $4.48 million

Scranton operations committee advances athletic facility repairs: gym floors, pool timing system and field lighting

Administration authorized to pursue private sale of Samuel Morris property; realtor may begin outreach

Operations committee to forward Quandell as recommended construction manager; public deliberation scheduled