Tunkhannock superintendent says district is in strong financial shape, recommends 0 millage increase; board approves robotics trip addition
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Summary
Superintendent Paul told the Tunkhannock Area School District board the district—is "in a healthy and strong financial position" and said he will recommend a 0 millage increase for the 2026-27 budget; the board added and later approved an out-of-state robotics trip and heard clarification on "restricted movement" safety protocol.
TUNKHANNOCK, Pa. —2——Superintendent Paul told the Tunkhannock Area School District board that the district is "in a healthy and strong financial position" and said he will recommend that the board pass the 2026-27 budget with a 0 millage increase when it is presented in April.
Paul credited a mix of revenues and strong investment performance for the improved picture, and cautioned that conservatism remains appropriate: "We have to predict conservatively," he said. He noted the district avoided a payroll loan last year when state funding was delayed by more than 130 days.
The superintendent also used his report to clarify security terminology after community questions, saying a "restricted movement" is "not a lockdown, not even close" and typically lasts about "3 to 5 minutes" to move a student or adult discreetly for medical or transport reasons while instruction continues.
During the meeting Paul asked to add an out-of-state robotics team field trip to the agenda so the board could hear public comment before formally voting on it. The board voted to open the agenda and then to add the robotics trip (two overnight nights, March 6—2——8), after a former student clarified the first event is at Warren Hills (March 6) and Mount Olive is a later competition.
Board members discussed capital priorities and building systems during a separate agenda item on the fuel-oil bid. Facilities staff and a public commenter raised the age of boilers in the administration building and asked whether converting the building to natural gas or transitioning to electric power as part of a potential solar project would be economical. A district representative said conversion could yield long-term savings but depends on the path taken and the solar decision.
The superintendent said the district will consider some deferred capital projects now that reserves are stronger, and that administrators are preparing a capacity study and enrollment analysis to inform those choices.
The board closed the meeting by noting it would return to a short executive session for personnel matters; the audit review vote and other materials will be posted to the district website.