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Belle Vernon Area SD board approves $47.5 million proposed budget, insurance renewal and several capital projects
Summary
At its May 19 meeting the Belle Vernon Area SD board approved a proposed $47.5 million 2026–27 budget, an insurance renewal with an 11% premium increase, and multiple capital projects including a $90,000 scoreboard (8–1). Trustees also approved routine contracts, personnel actions and facility work.
The Belle Vernon Area School District board approved a proposed 2026–27 budget totaling $47,500,000 and a slate of contracts and capital projects during its May 19 regular meeting.
The board voted to advance the proposed budget, with the transcript recording the outcome as 8–1 (Director Pollock voting no). Trustees and finance staff said the figure could change before final adoption in June, and asked staff to continue seeking reductions where possible.
Board members also approved an insurance renewal with MGI Risk Management for $394,627.21; trustees were told the premium rose about 11% this year. "We've had numerous claims for workers' comp, property and a large amount of auto claims," a board member (S4) said, adding that a recent cyber claim also influenced the increase. Directors requested a loss-run report to review claim counts and mitigation steps before the next meeting.
Capital and operating items approved included: - A $90,000 purchase of a new gymnasium scoreboard from Capital Reserve; the board record notes a $50,000 donation to the athletic department that offsets part of the cost. The motion passed 8–1. (S1: "This purchase is offset by a $50,000 donation to the athletic department.") - High school gym curtain replacement by Centimeters Eichenlaub for $15,257 from Capital Reserve (voice vote, motion carried). - A four-year renewal for the district's "Saphire" student information system; the transcript records the annual cost verbatim as "54 5 38 a year" (amount not clearly transcribed in the record) and the renewal was approved. - A one-year lease with Westmoreland County Action Head Start for two classrooms (approved); the district attorney will review the agreement before signature. - An engineering scope for a high school auditorium brick project for $12,000 to assess conditions and determine next steps; the board noted any repair work found could require separate bidding or an RFP. - Replacement of the high school hot-water boiler system: trustees approved replacing all three boilers with a more efficient system for $62,000 after considering quotes.
Other routine measures passed included grouped curriculum/technology/arts contracts (items 1–17), finance consent items, the PSBA membership and Keystone Agenda manager renewal (recorded in the transcript amount as $17,273.85 with one 'no' vote), an annual agreement with Berman Control, and personnel actions such as several hires and appointments.
On personnel, the board approved listed retirements and hires — including JC Smirnak as a van driver and Jeff Smith in an extracurricular supplemental role — and confirmed Carrie Horrell as varsity head cheer coach by roll call (9–0).
The meeting closed with committee reports and scheduling for a facilities presentation by Core/SiteLogic on June 16; trustees asked for an itemized billing summary for that vendor before any further approvals. The board adjourned and reconvened in executive session for negotiations.
What’s next: The budget will return for final action in June and staff will provide the requested loss-run insurance report and any additional cost estimates from facility assessments.
