Board approves audit, SIP trunk contract and opt‑out resolution; administration begins 'plan B' for intermediate/high‑school work

The York Suburban School District Board accepted its auditor’s report for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024, authorized a three‑year SIP trunk telephone agreement, and adopted an opt‑out resolution that preserves the district’s plan not to exceed the Act 1 indexing threshold in its upcoming 2025–26 budget.

Why it matters: the audit and opt‑out resolution affect the district’s financial posture and borrowing plan for planned capital projects. The administration also told the board it will proceed with a “plan B” exercise—revising scope and priorities for the intermediate and East York elementary projects—so the district can respond quickly to the township’s zoning feedback and avoid further schedule‑driven escalation.

Audit and finance votes - The board approved the independent audited financial statements for the year ending June 30, 2024. Auditor Michael Kowalczyk of Barbera Kane Thornton reported an unmodified (clean) opinion; the Property & Finance Committee recommended acceptance. The motion carried unanimously. - The board approved a three‑year agreement with Telesystems to provide SIP trunks (replacement voice service) at a stated cost of $165 per month plus taxes; the motion passed unanimously. - The board adopted an opt‑out resolution stating the district’s 2025–26 budget will not exceed the Act 1 index (currently 4.9%). The Property & Finance Committee recommended the resolution and the board approved it unanimously.

Plan B and project timing

Committee members and administration described the plan‑B effort as a contingency to avoid losing time if the intermediate‑school zoning appeal produces a restricted outcome. The plan‑B work will reprioritize program elements, focus on MEP and safety needs, and determine what can be accomplished within the existing budget without consolidation. Administrators said Crabtree will assist in plan‑B, and the board discussed whether to commission an independent third‑party feasibility review; several board members asked for options and costs if the board decides to hire an external firm.

Calendar and personnel

The board approved the 2025–26 school calendar after a brief discussion about election‑day arrangements; the district will list the middle school as a polling site and provide an organized virtual day for middle‑school students while the buildings serve as voting locations. The board also approved personnel and curriculum actions, including a set of revised semester math course proposals for the high school.

Policy first reads: AI and library policy

The administration presented first reads of several board policies, including updates to acceptable‑use policy language to address generative artificial intelligence, and a proposed library resources policy that would formalize categories and reconsideration processes. Staff said they are working to inventory vendor AI features, subscriptions and contracts and to document where generative AI is in district systems; board members suggested additional vendor inventory and opt‑out protections for district data.

Provenance: committee recommendations and votes recorded in Property & Finance and the main board meeting; treasurer and business‑office reports also provided.