Board hears budget timeline and tables bond‑counsel engagement while approving financial reports

Board finance leaders on Thursday advised the Pine‑Richland School District board on the preliminary budget timeline and approved financial reports and budget transfers while delaying a decision on bond counsel engagement.

The finance governance committee asked the full board to note the deadline to submit the preliminary budget by March 5 and to expect communications about an exception request to the Pennsylvania Department of Education if the district seeks to raise taxes above the index. The board voted to approve the financial reports dated Nov. 30, 2025, and accounts payable presented (accounts payable and paid accounts totals were read into the record by the finance presenter). A motion to approve budget transfers (approximately $55,131.90) passed as recorded.

Directors asked about a proposed engagement letter with Dinsmore & Shohl LLP for bond‑counsel services. Several members requested fee schedules and whether comparative bids had been sought; administrators said that Dinsmore & Shohl have served the district on prior bond issues but did not have a recent competitive selection on file. After discussion, a motion to table the engagement was made and passed, with staff committing to provide fee details to the board ahead of the Feb. 9 planning meeting.

"We can identify what was charged previously and bring that back to you," the superintendent said, promising immediate follow‑up. One director urged posting any new bid/proposal materials to the Friday update for board review.

The board also acted on routine financial items, approving a motion to exonerate local real estate tax collectors and to turn delinquent lists over to Jordan Delinquent Tax Service for collection.