Harrisburg board approves $216,000 tree-removal contract after safety debate

The Harrisburg City School District Board of School Directors on Oct. 28 approved a contract with Martin Tree Service to remove and trim multiple district trees, after trustees and administrators disputed whether to press ahead amid state funding uncertainty.

Board President Miss Copeland introduced the item as a recommendation from district administration describing “overgrown” trees with “root rot” and recent limbs falling on campus grounds. Superintendent Doctor Henry and operations staff presented photos and a line‑item quote for work across the district; the quoted total discussed during the meeting was approximately $216,000 and is broken down by school.

The dispute centered on timing and budget. Board member Brian Carter said the state…