Elizabethtown board hears broad public concern over failing secondary school complex, budget shortfall and unsettled teacher contract

Dozens of residents, parents and students told the Elizabethtown Area School District board on Aug. 26 they are alarmed by what they described as failing building systems at the district’s secondary school complex and by budget and staffing choices that threaten programs and teacher morale.

Speakers at the board action meeting cited plumbing failures, persistent dehumidifier use, leaking ceilings and an HVAC system they said is beyond routine repair. "We saw plumbing failures so severe that human waste has dripped from ceiling tiles," parent Alicia Runkle said during public comment. Multiple commenters said recent community facility tours organized with consultant RLPS confirmed chronic problems raised in prior facility studies.

The public comments followed superintendent remarks about the start of the 2025–26 school year and a district-run series of community tours. Dr. Nell told the board she will host and coordinate forthcoming engagement: RLPS will present at the district workshop on Sept. 9, and RLPS will host a town hall for the secondary complex on Tuesday, Sept. 16, she said. The superintendent also provided enrollment…