Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Budget Transparency topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Resident urges more transparency on hires, millage as board discusses proposed budget
Summary
Resident Patrick Leland told the Kiski Area School District board that blank agenda listings for hires and absence of a posted millage rate reduce public ability to comment; trustees responded that tonight's vote was on a proposed budget and that the final millage rate will be set in June.
A resident raised concerns about transparency and the district's posting of personnel items and the proposed budget during public comment at the Kiski Area School District board meeting.
Patrick Leland of Allegheny Township told trustees that listing hires as blank items on the agenda denied the public meaningful opportunity to comment before votes. "You're making million dollar investments with these hires tonight that will impact the district for decades, yet the public can't comment on the individuals being hired," he said.
Leland also asked what the millage rate will be for the 2026-27 school year, saying the budget presented "appears unfunded" without the millage figure. Trustees and administrators clarified that the board was voting on a proposed budget required by the state at this stage and that the final budget, including any millage action, will be adopted at the June meeting. One trustee reiterated that changes may still be made prior to the final adoption.
The solicitor and trustees referenced Coleman v. Parkland when explaining agenda-posting options and legal constraints. Leland urged the district to post voting results and specifics promptly so the public can see what the board approved.
Board members said they intend to post required changes within the 24-hour window when changes occur and confirmed that step-placement reviews for long-term substitutes will be considered prior to final adoption.
