Carlisle board approves March expenditures, contracts, revised biology curriculum and policy updates; members briefed on $4 million budget gap

The Carlisle Area School District Board of School Directors on Thursday approved the March expenditures, several professional services contracts, a revised high‑school biology curriculum aligned to new state science standards and updates to district safety policies, while administrators and board members outlined an operating budget shortfall of roughly $4 million for 2025‑26.

Board members voted, by voice, to approve routine items including the minutes of the March 20 meeting and the superintendent’s personnel recommendations. The board also approved district expenditures for March 2025 totaling $7,398,184.30 and authorized the professional services contracts listed in the meeting agenda.

Mike Sadler, director of business operations, told the board the district is three quarters through the 2024‑25 fiscal year and on the revenue side had collected about 85% of budgeted revenue; he said expenditures were about 74% of budget but that a $3,000,000 transfer from the general fund into capital reserve for an athletic project increases the year‑to‑date spending figure. “If you take out that $3,000,000, we are actually at 71% spent in this year's operational budget,” Sadler said. He also said the district has received about $1,700,000 in investment earnings year‑to‑date, compared with a budgeted $1,200,000.

Sadler and other administrators warned the board that projected revenues of about $113,000,000 for 2025‑26 fall short of projected expenditures of about $117,000,000, leaving a gap the board estimated at just over $4,000,000. The district identified contractually obligated salary and benefit increases, special‑education tuition, cyber charter costs, electricity and transportation as primary cost drivers, and said five new positions are included in initial staffing assumptions.

On purchases and contracts, the board approved a list of professional services agreements as presented. During discussion a board member asked about one mechanical services contract that required additional hours and funding; administration said this was the first time the vendor had requested additional funds this contract year. Another contract amendment adds Moreland renovations into the scope of a consulting agreement for the new middle school project.

On academics, the board approved a revised high‑school biology curriculum recommended by the Education Committee to align the course with the new Pennsylvania science standards (referred to at the meeting as "STELs/STEELS" in committee materials) and to the Keystone exam. The committee said the curriculum was restructured from 10 units to five to allow deeper, hands‑on investigations, collaborative student work and a ‘‘storyline’’ approach to instruction. The motion to adopt the revised biology curriculum was approved by voice vote.

The Finance Committee recommended, and the board approved, the schedule of breakfast and lunch prices for the 2025‑26 school year. The district will keep the student lunch price at $3.20. The adult lunch price will increase 17 cents from $4.37 to $4.50; adult breakfast prices will increase by 10 cents. Officials noted student breakfasts remain free for all students and the governor’s budget proposal also supports continuation of that program.

The Governance Committee recommended changes to two district policies: Policy 805.1, "Relations with Law Enforcement Agencies," (emphasizing partnership, memoranda of understanding and coordination) and Policy 805.2, "School Security Personnel," (including professional development, incident reporting and appointment procedures). The board approved revisions to both policies by voice vote. Committee discussion referenced a change in the agency name used in state guidance and materials; meeting remarks corrected the name to the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency.

Superintendent recommendations for appointments, coaching assignments, status changes, transfers and resignations listed in the superintendent’s report were approved by the board. The superintendent also introduced Rachel Boyle, the district’s hire for athletic director, who is scheduled to begin around June 1.

Board members used their remarks to highlight recent student achievements, upcoming district events and community partnerships. Several members said they would be participating in events next month related to the state budget and to advocate for the district’s needs, including meetings with legislators.

No roll‑call vote tallies were recorded in the public transcript for the motions taken; all recorded motions were carried by voice vote.

Looking ahead, the board and administration said a proposed budget for 2025‑26 will be presented next week with options to close the budget gap; that draft must be posted for a 30‑day public review period before final action in June.