Board rejects York High School of Technology budget increase after transportation concerns

The Eastern York SD board considered a proposed budget increase from York High School of Technology and declined to approve the request after several board members said transportation costs caused the proposal to exceed the allowable index.

Board members debated the components of the budget increase during discussion of agenda item 8.5. Multiple members pointed specifically to added bus runs and related transportation expenses as the primary driver of the increase above the model budget and Act 1 index used for comparisons. One board member noted that if the additional transportation runs were removed, the school’s budget would fall within the index.

During discussion board members expressed reluctance to add bus runs or other recurring transportation costs that would increase long-term district obligations. The transcript shows the motion on item 8.5 went to a formal vote and did not pass; the board indicated the item will return for further consideration. Administrators said the district representative to the School of Technology authority will continue discussions and that if the item later passes, the district will seek to keep the impact at or below its adjusted index.

The board also approved several routine items elsewhere on the agenda, including previous meeting minutes and financial reports. Trustees asked for follow-up details on encumbrances tied to a large transportation contract and on timing for state revenue that has been delayed by the state budget process.

No formal ordinance or statute was cited during the exchange; members referenced Act 1 guidance and index figures when comparing proposed increases, but specific statutory citations were not provided in the transcript. The board directed staff to continue budget conversations with the School of Technology and expected the matter to return for reconsideration.