Shamokin Area School Board approves preliminary operating budget, adopts 2026–27 calendar and clears routine contracts

The Shamokin Area School District board on Tuesday approved the district's CSU No. 16 preliminary general operating budget, adopted the 2026–27 school calendar and cleared a string of routine contracts, personnel items and facility quotes.

The board voted to adopt the 2026–27 (2627) school calendar after a roll-call vote that recorded six votes in favor and one dissent. Mister Cashner registered the lone "No" vote; other members present voted in the affirmative and the calendar was adopted.

Board members also approved the CSU No. 16 preliminary general operating budget. The motion to approve the budget passed on roll call after a second; the transcript records affirmative votes from the members polled and the motion carried.

In a single consent-style sequence the board voted to approve listed contracts and agreements, authorize payment of bills and approve a package of personnel actions (motions 8.01–8.08). The board also approved the high school band's request to perform at an amusement park and voted to authorize an employee internship program.

Separately, the board approved a new job description, granted a veterans tax-exemption request, and accepted a contractor quote for baseball and softball field renovations. A motion identified in the record as "707" was approved as well; the transcript does not specify substantive details of that item.

Board members discussed procurement briefly during reports, noting the bids they approved varied in price and vendor references: one member cited a low bid of $89,000 and a high of $324,000 and emphasized the differences in vendor references and product quality.

The board adjourned following completion of the agenda. The district announced its next regular meeting would be held on March 24, 2026, at 7:30 p.m. in the boardroom.