Plum Borough SD honors retirees and student achievers; board outlines 2025-26 budget with 2.26% millage increase

The Plum Borough School District Board of School Directors recognized retiring staff and student achievements, introduced the incoming student representative and acknowledged an outgoing student representative, and said it will adopt a final balanced budget for 2025-26 that reduces the proposed millage increase to 2.26%.

At the board's May 27 action meeting, the board paused its business agenda to honor retirees and student groups. The recognitions included classroom teachers and support staff with multiple years of service, exchange students hosted by the district and recipients of local athletic scholarships. Patrick Bachman of Plum High School introduced three exchange students — Zalon (Hungary), Angela (Italy) and Miguel (Spain) — and presented certificates for their time in Plum. Stephanie Folkmire of the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame Eastborough chapter presented athlete scholarships to Danielle Pisi and Eli Washchuk. Coaches Phil DeLeonardo and Carl Wallmer recognized varsity softball and baseball players for their seasons and individual honors; the softball team finished 14-5 and the baseball team finished 18-2 and won its section, according to remarks at the meeting.

Drew (Dhruv) Thacker, the outgoing student representative, told the board, “This has been one of the most, like, beneficial roles of my entire life,” reflecting on his experience representing students. Dhruv said the role helped him develop leadership skills he expects to carry forward as he begins studies at the University of Pittsburgh. Naomi Casey was approved as the 2025-26 student board representative; the board voted to confirm her appointment during the meeting.

Board President Doctor Anderson reported on the district's final budget plans for 2025-26, saying the administration and board worked to reduce a previously discussed 2.5 millage proposal to a 2.26% increase in millage. Anderson said the change, plus a larger homestead allocation, means the median homestead property would see a 0.72% increase — about $1.59 per month — while the district will present a balanced budget for the coming year. Anderson attributed reductions to lower projected transportation costs, E-rate technology reimbursements and elimination of underused software. He thanked business office staff and administration for trimming costs.

Other details and highlights from the meeting: - The board formally recognized three exchange students and several retiring staff members; administrators noted many retirees had 20 or more years of service. - The board and district leaders credited alternative revenue and budget adjustments with reducing the tax impact to residents. - The board heard presentations from coaches and program representatives highlighting athletic records and individual student honors; individual student and coach remarks were included in the recognition portion.

What happened next and schedule: the board announced upcoming public meetings, including a combined discussion and action meeting on June 17 and an Act 34 public hearing on the O'Block Elementary School addition and alterations on June 24.

The meeting included multiple routine committee recommendations and votes on personnel, policies and program items (see “Votes at a glance” below for a summary of actions taken during the meeting). The board adjourned after approving the listed agenda items.