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Superintendent update: preliminary budget, state cell-phone bill and IU‑IV leadership changes
Summary
Dr. White told the board the preliminary 2026–27 district budget projects a 2.56% increase and highlighted state and federal developments — including a proposed bell-to-bell student cell-phone ban passed by the State Senate and governor budget items for Ready to Learn and Basic Education formula funding. Gary Shingleton reported leadership changes at Midwestern Intermediate Unit IV.
Dr. White updated the board on district and policy developments during the Feb. 9 meeting, reporting that the preliminary 2026–27 district budget reflects an expected 2.56% increase over the current school year.
He said the U.S. Department of Education issued guidance on prayer in schools and that the district’s current practices comply with that guidance. Dr. White also noted that the Pennsylvania State Senate passed a bell‑to‑bell bill banning student cell phones in classrooms, while the State House had not yet acted on that measure.
On funding, Dr. White summarized elements of the governor’s proposed budget that affect local schools: $565 million proposed for the Ready to Learn Grant and $50 million proposed for the Basic Education funding formula. He also reported instructional initiatives at the Senior High School, where departments plan a pilot program offering Chemistry, Physics and Global Science.
Separately, Gary Shingleton reported on the Jan. 28 Midwestern Intermediate Unit IV meeting: Ms. Brenda Marino will serve as interim executive director, a search committee led by Dr. Killmyer will seek a permanent executive director, and the IU‑IV will not host its usual convention this year.
