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West York directors reject York County School of Technology budget after concerns about expansion and per-student cost
Summary
Directors voted 6–0 with one abstention to block approval of York County School of Technology’s proposed budget, citing a multimillion-dollar expansion that would add relatively few seats, rising per-student costs and proposed busing changes.
The West York Area School District board on Monday declined to approve the York County School of Technology budget after extended discussion about the career-technical school’s proposed expansion, busing costs and the program’s model.
Directors expressed concern that a multimillion-dollar feasibility plan would add roughly 90 to 100 seats countywide while the district already pays roughly $1.4 million to send 94 West York students to the tech school. Several directors said the school's acceptance rate and the breadth of courses indicated the program has shifted toward a near–full-service high school model rather than a strictly vocational technical center.
“I would recommend a no vote on their budget,” Director Harlacher said during the discussion, urging that the tech school's feasibility study “needs to look at maybe different models or methodologies of educating the students.” Director Herman raised per-student cost comparisons and questioned whether proposed additional buses — some not serving West York students — represented a prudent use of district funds.
In a roll-call vote the board recorded six no votes and one abstention; the motion therefore failed, and the district did not approve the tech school budget. During the roll call Director Dugan stated she lacked background to vote and chose to abstain; other directors recorded “no.”
Board members asked the superintendent and the district's representative to convey to the York County School of Technology governing group that West York seeks alternatives that would serve a larger share of the district’s students and produce better per-student return on the district’s contribution. Directors suggested part-time models or limiting entry to later grades to expand access without the same capital cost.
Board members cited specific figures during the discussion: 94 West York students currently attend the tech school, the district’s obligation for those students is about $1,400,000, and the per-student cost at the tech school was described as roughly $14,000 versus the district’s approximate $13,000 per student. Directors requested that West York convey these concerns at the county-level meeting and seek clearer alternatives in the tech school’s feasibility work.
Because the county tech school does not levy its own tax, board members said the countywide funding burden falls to sending districts’ taxpayers, which contributed to the decision to withhold approval pending further discussion.
