Boyertown Area School Directors approve 3% tax increase, tap $1.8 million from fund balance; select enrollment consultant and approve series of contracts

The Boyertown Area School District Board of School Directors on May 13 approved the district’s 2025–26 final general fund budget, authorizing a 3% tax increase and the use of $1,800,000 from the district’s fund balance to balance the plan.

The decision drew public comment questioning the district’s long-term fiscal plan. “Tonight, you'll be voting on the budget with a 3% tax increase and taking $1,800,000 from your fund balance,” said public commenter Johnny Savage, who also urged the board to explain long-term strategies for special education costs, capital planning and alternative revenue options.

Administrators told the board the budget as presented includes planned capital projects (air conditioning, roof work and possibly a turf field) and that salaries, benefits and professional services accounted for roughly 80% of April expenditures. The district’s April revenue highlights reported to the board included approximately $1,429,114.57 in earned income tax and $2,806,152 in basic education subsidy; delinquent tax collections for the month were about $148,546.16.

Why it matters: approving the budget with a draw on fund balance reduces reserves available for future contingencies and was the one of the clearest policy choices made by the board at the meeting. A board member recorded one “no” vote on the budget during roll call; the motion nonetheless carried.

Enrollment study and vendor selection

The board voted to contract with the Pennsylvania Economy League to conduct a demographic and enrollment projection analysis for the district at an adjusted price of $30,000. The administration recommended two vendors; the board approved the Pennsylvania Economy League's engagement and rejected a separate vendor proposal from Steps to Achieve (a $24,950 proposal) after the board voted that Steps to Achieve would not be engaged at this time.

Board members discussed the presentations and whether to ask the Pennsylvania Economy League to return for a follow-up presentation; the administration said it had checked references and believed the vendor could deliver the work specified in the request for proposals.

School-Based ACCESS program participation

The board also approved participation in the Pennsylvania School-Based ACCESS Program, which allows schools to seek Medicaid reimbursement for eligible services provided to special education students. District staff told the board they did not have exact per-service reimbursement rates available at the meeting but said the program lets the district bill for eligible services such as 1:1 paraprofessionals, transportation, speech-language therapy and occupational therapy for students who qualify for medical assistance. Staff committed to providing last year’s billed and recovered totals to the board after the vote; one board member said she would vote no without that data but the motion carried.

Other notable approvals and actions

- Esports: The board authorized development of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) consistent with the district’s collective bargaining agreement (CBA) to implement an esports program at the high school. Administrators corrected a previously reported stipend figure: the annual stipend for fall and spring combined is $5,514 (down from the $6,836 figure announced earlier).

- Boyertown Middle School East auditorium audio project: The board approved replacement and upgrade of the East Auditorium sound system at a project cost of $22,460.19. Administrators disclosed the vendor’s standard full warranty covers 90 days after installation; optional service blocks are available (15 hours: $2,200; 24 hours: $3,500; 40 hours: $5,400).

- Cyber charter tuition rate resolution: The board approved a resolution on the district’s cyber charter tuition rate and authorized supporting letters to state legislators.

- Contracts and agreements: The board approved multiple contracts and agreements including the 2025–26 special education services agreement with the Berks County Intermediate Unit (BCIU), the Richard Kern Foundation agreement supporting the student assistance program, and various annual special education service agreements.

- Appointments and personnel: The board appointed Patricia Padanacola as board secretary (effective July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2029) and Carrie Fox as board treasurer for the 2025–26 fiscal year. The board approved the personnel actions packet, which included the appointment of Stephanie Petrie as director of the Office of Teaching and Learning (effective July 1) and accepted the resignation of longtime administrator Scott Shields after 23 years of service.

- Donations and extracurriculars: The board accepted the May donation list, including $8,100 from Martin Stone Quarries for science curriculum and a $6,561 matched donation from The Giant Company to support school nutrition programs. The board also approved an overnight trip for students participating in a national Career and Technical Student Organization competition.

Votes at a glance (selected items)

- 2025–26 Final General Fund Budget: Approved (roll-call; one recorded no vote). Motion: “Approve the 2025–26 final general fund and budget as presented.”

- Pennsylvania Economy League enrollment study ($30,000): Approved. Motion: “Approve Pennsylvania Economy League to conduct enrollment analysis.”

- Steps to Achieve enrollment study ($24,950): Failed. Motion: “Approve Steps to Achieve to conduct analysis.” (roll-call results: majority no)

- Participation in School-Based ACCESS program (2025–26): Approved. Motion: “Approve School-Based ACCESS program agreement to participate.”

- Esports program MOU (consistent with CBA): Approved. Motion: “Designate whether to move forward with creating an MOU consistent with the CBA for esports.”

- Middle School East auditorium sound system ($22,460.19): Approved. Motion: “Approve Middle School East auditorium sound system project as presented.”

- Cyber charter tuition rate resolution: Approved. Motion: “Approve cyber charter tuition rate resolution and supporting letters.”

- Multiple special education service agreements (including BCIU): Approved.

- Appointments: Patricia Padanacola, board secretary (effective 07/01/2025); Carrie Fox, board treasurer (2025–26): Approved.

What was not decided / follow-ups requested

- Detailed ACCESS reimbursement numbers: district staff said they will provide last year’s billed amounts and reimbursements after the meeting; several board members asked for those figures before future votes on resourcing.

- A follow-up presentation from the Pennsylvania Economy League: several board members asked the vendor to return with a clearer presentation of deliverables and approach.

Meeting context and next steps

Board members and administrators noted this was the final regular business meeting before the end of the school year. The board’s next committee-of-the-whole meeting is scheduled for June 10 and the legislative meeting for June 24. Administrators asked board members planning to attend commencement to notify the district office for seating and transportation arrangements.

(End of report)