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Harrisburg School District 41-2 reviews capital outlay plan with security upgrades and fleet purchases highlighted
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Summary
Board members heard a detailed capital outlay overview stressing security projects, vehicle purchases and a planned $1 million transfer to the general fund; formal budget approval is scheduled for May with final adoption in September.
Harrisburg School District 41-2 board members received a detailed review of the district's proposed capital outlay budget, which the district presenter said relies primarily on current-year ad valorem taxes and includes major spending on security upgrades, building maintenance and new transportation vehicles.
The presenter said ad valorem taxes are the "largest revenue" for the capital outlay fund and listed other sources — delinquent prior-year taxes, sponsorships and E-rate reimbursements — that together support next year’s plan. The presenter said the district used building walk‑throughs this year with principals and custodial staff to prioritize a five‑year project list rather than evaluating each building in isolation.
"That is obviously where the most income comes from," the presenter said of ad valorem taxes, and noted the draft budget itemizes instructional programs, special-education adaptive equipment, media services and technology support. The presenter identified district security projects — including added cameras and secured front offices with protective screens — as likely the single largest capital outlay need for the coming year.
Board members also heard specifics on transportation, with planned purchases that include four special‑education vans, a maintenance truck, a minibus with a wheelchair lift and an activities minibus. The presenter said the plan includes four propane buses to support fleet needs.
Other notable figures in the draft budget included a roughly $650,000 estimate for a new scoreboard under co‑curricular spending and a proposed $1,000,000 transfer from capital outlay to the general fund to help cover salary increases. The presenter said debt‑service obligations on capital‑outlay certificates remain but are declining.
Board members asked clarifying questions about the scoreboard estimate and about technology and refurbishment possibilities. The presenter said some older systems can be refurbished rather than fully replaced and encouraged trustees to participate in building walk‑throughs to better understand specific needs.
The draft budget will receive a formal approval overview in May, with final budget adoption slated for September.
