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Chambersburg board advances design for new 'schools of distinction' and adopts 2025–26 budget and homestead exclusion
Summary
Trustees authorized design work for new intermediate, middle and Grandview Elementary projects, approved the Homestead/Farmstead exclusion resolution (9–0) and adopted the 2025–26 budget (roll call 8–1) that includes debt‑service funding for the schools of distinction program.
At its June 3 meeting, the Chambersburg Area School District board authorized the design phase for several major facilities projects tied to the district's "schools of distinction" plan, approved a homestead/farmstead exclusion resolution and adopted the 2025–26 budget.
On item 7.09 the board approved advancing the design process — which staff described as permission to go out to bid and allow architects to begin billing — for a new 4–6 intermediate school, a 7–8 middle school project (renovation versus new build under consideration), and a new Grandview Elementary School. A trustee noted the overall magnitude of the set of projects and asked staff to provide clearer estimates and to identify how contingencies, contract administration and construction inspection are accounted for during design.
"We hope it's 240,000,000 all total or less, but we don't know," a trustee said during discussion and asked for better cost detail as the design work proceeds. Staff responded that going through design and bidding will provide firmer costs.
The board then approved the 2025–26 Homestead/Farmstead exclusion resolution by roll call; the board secretary recorded a unanimous vote and the motion passed 9–0.
Later the board considered and adopted the district's 2025–26 budget resolution. Trustees highlighted that the proposed final budget includes an allocation to begin ramping up debt service for the schools of distinction program (presenter referenced approximately $7.576 million of extra debt service built into planning, described as dependent on the governor's proposed budget assumptions). Discussion touched on a proposed 3% tax increase that the board said would raise the total mills to about 136.45; one trustee voted against the budget and the roll call indicated the motion passed 8–1.
Board members asked for follow‑up to clarify how earmarked revenues and prior revenue designations affect the deficit projection and asked for more detail before moving to bond authorization expected later this year. Trustees signaled intent to return with resolutions for bonding and clearer cost and contingency figures after design and bid estimates are available.
Votes at a glance:
- Item 7.09 — Design process for 4–6 intermediate, 7–8 middle and new Grandview Elementary School: motion moved and seconded; board approved to proceed with design (vote count not read aloud in transcript).
- Item 9.1 — 2025–26 Homestead/Farmstead exclusion resolution: roll call recorded as unanimous; motion passes 9–0.
- Item 9.02 — 2025–26 budget resolution: roll call resulted in approval; recorded outcome 8–1.
The board scheduled further work on cost estimates and contingency planning; a bond resolution is expected to follow once more detailed design and bidding information is available.
