Supervisors adopt FY26 school budget, shift some capital projects and ask architect to study high-school reuse

The Lancaster County Board of Supervisors on April 10 adopted the FY26 public school budget and took several budget- and capital-related actions, including approving change orders for a convenience-center expansion and asking engineering firm Guernsey Tingle to prepare estimates on whether the soon-to-be-vacant high school could house county administration and public safety functions.

County Administrator Don told the board that the planning commission recommended moving a jail roof replacement into FY26 and postponing a planned combined sheriff’s office and EMS building from FY26 to FY27 pending study of whether county offices could move into the high school after it vacates in summer 2026. Don said the planning commission “felt that [the jail roof replacement] was needed in FY26” after heavy rains revealed worsening leaks; the roof work estimate discussed in the meeting was about $180,000.

Having discussed the options, the board voted to direct Guernsey Tingle to prepare a study and cost estimate to assess reuse of the current high school for county administration and whether EMS and sheriff’s office needs could be met there or elsewhere on the county campus. A supervisor…