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Mifflin County board appoints Richard A. Smeltz, approves IU budget and other routine items
Summary
The board filled a vacant seat with Richard A. Smeltz and approved the Tuscarora Intermediate Unit operating budget, special counsel appointment and consent agenda items; it also directed staff to post and fill an added paraprofessional position for autistic support at Lewistown Intermediate School.
The Mifflin County School District Board of Directors voted March 27 to appoint Richard A. Smeltz to the vacant board seat left by Don W. Wright and approved several administrative items including the Tuscarora Intermediate Unit operating budget and retention of special counsel.
The board received introductory remarks from candidate Brian Ketchum, PhD, who spoke in person about his education and priorities. Miss Smith read a written statement from Richard A. Smeltz, who was not present and asked to be appointed to serve the unexpired term through Nov. 30, 2025. Board members nominated and then voted on the appointment; a roll call recorded that the motion passed and the president will arrange a time to swear in Smeltz.
On budget matters the board approved the Tuscarora Intermediate Unit (IU) general operating budget in the amount of $3,793,033 for fiscal year July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2026. Board discussion included an explanation that the IU’s total budget is larger and that the member districts are only required to vote on its general operating portion; one board member voted no on the IU budget during the roll call.
The board also approved a recommendation to appoint Saxon and Stump as special counsel for the period April 1, 2025 through June 30, 2025 and for the 2025‑26 school year at the same rates. The motion passed by roll call.
The consent agenda, which contained personnel items and hires, was approved by roll call; the board discussed pending clearances for volunteer athletics and clarified that individuals without complete clearances should not be alone with students.
On special‑education staffing at Lewistown Intermediate School, the board discussed rising special‑education enrollment and approved moving forward with posting and filling an additional full‑time paraprofessional position to support two autistic‑support classrooms for the remainder of the year. The position will be funded from the district’s school‑based ACCESS funds (state Medicaid‑related funds used to enhance special‑education services) rather than general funds, and the hire will be brought back to the board for formal approval at a future meeting with retroactive start dates possible.
Other routine personnel changes listed on the consent agenda were approved; the minutes and personnel sheets reflect hires, retroactive dates and auxiliary additions noted by staff.
