The Upper Adams School Board approved a 2026-27 budget with no property tax increase Tuesday night while delaying action on a school dental fluoride program and hearing sharp criticism from a district resident during public comment.
The board unanimously adopted a budget that maintains the current tax rate despite a projected deficit of about $929,000. District officials said the shortfall can be covered through designated fund balances and noted that previous budgets have often performed better than initial projections.
Board members cited ongoing financial pressures on local residents, including inflation and challenges facing Adams County fruit growers, as reasons for holding the line on taxes.
The board also approved salary increases for support staff, administrators, the assistant superintendent, and Superintendent Dr. Wesley DeShong in accordance with existing contracts and evaluation procedures.
One of the evening’s most debated topics was a contract for school-based fluoride treatments. Board members discussed whether fluoride services could be offered only to students without dental insurance rather than through the current program. Following discussion, the board voted to table the contract pending additional information. Some members argued that eliminating the service without further study could limit options available to families.
Earlier in the meeting, resident and former UASD board president Tom Wilson used the public comment period to criticize district leadership, alleging a pattern of internal conflict, rising legal costs, and declining staff morale. Wilson referenced the departure of former superintendent Dr. Wesley Dahl, recent administrative resignations, and investigations involving outside counsel. He urged the board to change course, saying “failure or change” were the only options facing district leadership.
The board also approved the hiring of Dr. Jennifer Chamberlain as the district’s new director of student services. Superintendent Todd Dishong said Chamberlain brings more than 26 years of experience in public education, including leadership in special education, curriculum development, and instructional administration.
Administrators and board members highlighted several recent student achievements, including a state championship agronomy team at the Pennsylvania FFA Convention, national recognition for the district’s esports program, and strong performances by students in academic competitions.
The board accepted the resignation of member Kay Holibaugh and announced plans to fill the vacancy. Applications for the open seat will be accepted through July 9, with public interviews scheduled for July 14.
In other business, the board approved student handbooks for the coming school year and discussed potential future changes to cellphone policies if pending state legislation restricting student cellphone use becomes law.
