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Lewisburg Area SD reviews largely flat enrollment, flags staffing needs ahead of budget season
Summary
District staff reported enrollment stable at about 1,800 students, outlined program shifts (declining cyber eSchool enrollment, rising homeschool counts), and presented staffing considerations including an IU internship for school psychology, potential additional autistic-support classroom at Kelley, and possible administrative reorganizations.
District staff told the Lewisburg Area Board of School Directors that overall in-district enrollment has held steady at roughly 1,800 students in recent years and that building-by-building trends show modest shifts rather than large swings.
The presentation, given early in the meeting, separated district enrollment from program and non-district enrollments. Staff said the district’s eSchool/cyber program currently has 17 students, while about 40 students attend outside cyber charter schools; the district’s per-pupil payment for regular education at outside cyber charters is $15,248 and $28,000 for special education, figures staff said are used for budgeting and reimbursements. Staff also reported a decline in non-district cyber charter enrollment from earlier years and a recent uptick in homeschooling and private/parochial enrollments.
On classroom staffing, staff presented projected class sizes that average about 17–18 students in elementary grades and showed the district running seven K–5 sections and six middle-school sections at present figures. The administration described a relatively small administrative team compared with neighboring districts and said some titles and duties have shifted in recent years. Staff noted an unfilled assistant superintendent role and said certification timing may affect hiring this year.
Specialized student-support positions were a central focus. The district currently employs one full-time school psychologist and supplements that capacity with contracted services; staff proposed a $25,000 annual internship arrangement with the Intermediate Unit (IU) that would place an intern on-site about four days per week to assist with referrals, paperwork and site-level support. The district also added a Board Certified Behavior Analyst this year and expanded speech-therapy coverage to two providers across buildings, staff said.
Staff described a contingent need for an additional elementary autistic-support classroom at Kelley depending on incoming early intervention numbers. Options discussed included hiring a new teacher plus aides, participating in IU fair-share placements (bringing in students from other districts), or placing students in external programs if available. Board members asked about space constraints, and staff said facilities and classroom availability would factor into any final decision.
Board members also questioned hourly and contract costs for psychology coverage and compared ongoing monthly contract spending (described in discussion as roughly $2,000 per month in some cases) with the one-year $25,000 IU internship option. Staff said the internship model could reduce reliance on intermittent contract work and provide continuity for students.
The presentation closed with discussion of support-staff shortages (custodial and maintenance vacancies), the possible creation of a head-teacher stipend under the collective bargaining agreement, and consideration of shifting ESL coverage so one specialist would support middle and high school rather than relying on multiple part-time arrangements. Staff said these ideas are early-stage considerations intended to inform operating and capital budgeting for the coming year.
