LCTI corrective action accepted; budget shows $1.3M CTE subsidy increase and funds for contracted security
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Summary
East Penn’s LCTI representative said the Pennsylvania Department of Education accepted LCTI’s corrective action plan; preliminary budget materials show a $1.3 million increase in the CTE subsidy, $1.5 million set aside for capital projects and funding for a contracted security officer.
The corrective action plan submitted by the Lehigh Career & Technical Institute (LCTI) was accepted by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, and preliminary budget figures presented to the East Penn School District Board on Jan. 27 show increased state CTE funding and new capital and security set‑asides, LCTI’s East Penn representative said.
Why it matters: The LCTI budget changes affect East Penn’s contribution to the regional career‑technical program and could mean higher district costs tied to enrollment and facilities. Board members asked for clarification about the security funding and the status of the corrective action items.
Mr. Smith, East Penn’s representative to the LCTI joint operating committee, told the board the state accepted the corrective action plan and that “most items are already completed or underway.” He summarized the budget highlights the committee reported: a $1,300,000 increase in the CTE subsidy from the state and $1,500,000 earmarked for capital projects. The committee also recommended setting aside funds to cover upcoming contract negotiations.
Smith told the board the enrollment increase at the academic center is the principal driver of rising costs. He said East Penn will see a 5.51% increase in its overall contribution to LCTI and a 17.84% increase specifically for the district’s share of the academic center. “So, some increases there. But that’s due to enrollment,” he said.
Board member Miss Ford asked whether the budgeted security funding would be used to hire a police officer or a contracted guard. Mr. Smith replied, “Just a security officer contracted.”
No formal LCTI vote occurred during the East Penn meeting; Mr. Smith presented the LCTI update for board awareness. The board did not take further action on LCTI items at that meeting and will receive additional LCTI reporting in future agendas.
Provenance: The LCTI report began when Mr. Smith opened his remarks to the board and continued through clarification questions from Miss Ford; the board transcript records the committee report, budget figures, and the exchange about contracted security.
