Scranton School Board approves preliminary 2026 budget and multiple contracts; approves high school reconfiguration; rejects Whittier playground relocation

The Scranton School District Board of Directors on July 28 approved a slate of budget, facilities and personnel actions and took votes on several contested items, including reconfiguring Scranton High School to a 9–12 building.

The board voted to adopt a preliminary general fund budget for fiscal 2026 and approved a range of contracts, change orders and special-education settlements during the meeting. Board members also approved granting sewer easements requested by the City of Scranton and the Scranton Sewer Authority and approved multiple construction change orders for district capital projects. The board voted down a motion to relocate the Whittier playground, leaving the playground in its current location.

Why it matters: The preliminary budget sets the district’s spending and reserve posture as it heads into the state budget uncertainty this fall. Several facility approvals advance projects that affect school accessibility and safety; the high-school reconfiguration could change where middle-school students take state tests and where award/recognition programs are held.

The most consequential votes and motions at a glance

- Preliminary 2026 general fund budget: Approved. Motion language as read at the meeting described revenues and expenditures totaling $239,241,768, inclusive of a budgetary reserve (motion text as read in the record). Roll call: 9–0 in favor. (See provenance: Pat Lapis presentation and subsequent vote.)

- Reconfiguration of Scranton High School from a 7–12 to a 9–12 building: Approved. Motion carried on roll call, 5 affirmative, 4 negative. The board took the vote after discussion about charter status of National Junior Honor Society, budget changes and the state’s annual reconfiguration window. (See provenance: reconfiguration discussion and vote.)

- Sewer easements with City of Scranton / Scranton Sewer Authority: Approved. Motion authorized granting easements for multiple district parcels, subject to solicitor review/approval of deed language. Roll call: 9–0 in favor. (See provenance: attorney Durkin explanation and vote.)

- Whittier Playground relocation: Failed. The board voted 9–0 against the motion to relocate the playground and enlarge the parking lot (motion failed). Administrators had noted a roughly $500,000 estimate for relocating parking and playground. (See provenance: operations presentation and vote.)

- Change orders and construction approvals: Multiple change orders for elevator replacements, exterior door upgrades, fire alarm replacement and associated permits/abatement were approved; most passed on 8–1 or 9–0 roll calls. Details and financial impacts were read into the record. (See provenance: operations agenda items E2–E6.)

- Special-education settlements and other legal items: Approved by roll call; settlement case numbers were referenced in the meeting packet and the motions. (See provenance: special-education motion.)

- Personnel actions: The personnel report (hires contingent on background checks) was approved, along with several leave requests and one termination (employee number 4220). (See provenance: personnel motions.)

Context and next steps

The board’s adoption of a preliminary budget occurs amid uncertainty over state funding and potential federal changes to Title allocations; district staff told the board they modeled both optimistic and worst-case scenarios and warned of a possible swing of roughly $13 million between best- and worst-case funding outcomes. The board and administration said the preliminary budget can still be amended as state and federal guidance becomes clearer.

Several approved facilities items are connected to ongoing capital projects; staff said some change-order work reflects permits and lead-time-driven adjustments. The board scheduled formal ratification or additional review for items as required by policy and solicitor input.

Votes recorded in the meeting minutes are reflected above; full backup materials and the presentation files are posted on the district business office page.

Ending: The board recessed to an executive session and convened the public board meeting later the same evening to finalize votes and motions.