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Board approves LIU operating budget 7–2 after debate over Franklin Learning Center costs
Summary
After debate over rising costs at Franklin Learning Center and how LIU charges will be applied, the Chambersburg Area School District board approved the LIU general operating budget (item 6.01) by voice vote; board members pressed for more cost clarity and a la carte pricing details.
The Chambersburg Area School District Board of Directors approved the Lehigh/Local Intermediate Unit (LIU) general operating budget (item 6.01) after a discussion about special-education costs and a 3.4% operating increase.
Dr. Diller moved to approve the LIU general operating budget and Mr. Raber seconded. The board debated whether wage increases and higher per-student charges at the Franklin Learning Center could push the district’s costs up disproportionately. A district liaison said the 3% increase applies to the LIU operating budget and does not reflect Chambersburg’s direct contributions, noting a prior $14,000 contribution was removed and that the LIU is moving to an a la carte pricing model so districts can select services with fixed per-item prices.
"Anything that we are paying to the LIU is based strictly on services that we will be using for students," the liaison said, describing the new a la carte approach intended to reduce unpredictable transfers between accounts.
Board members pressed for historical per-student comparisons and the total-dollar impact for Chambersburg, with one director noting the difference between percentage increases and total dollars when students are sent to outside programs. Dr. Diller and others emphasized concern about the Franklin Learning Center, which was described elsewhere at the meeting as an aging facility with significant infrastructure needs.
The chair called the vote and announced the motion passed by a seven-to-two margin.
