The Gettysburg Area School District (GASD) Board of Directors held a public comment session on the proposed 2020-21 budget at their virtual meeting on Monday.
Only one public statement had been received, which was read aloud by Communications Coordinator Andrew Robinson.
The letter was from Bob Stilwell who said the board should not be increasing taxes given its current fund balance was “about twice what is required.”
The board members then gave their own comments on the budget:
“It feels reckless to the approve the special budget request to add three additional positions that are continuous expenses in this climate,” said Carrie Soliday.
“I don’t think the timing is good to add any additional staff. I think we’re adequate. Our enrollment is stable. We’re in good shape,” said Al Moyer. “I believe a small increase is appropriate to keep us up to speed with contractual agreements. It would be irresponsible on our part not to try to keep pace.”
“I beg of each of you to look beyond yourselves. You all have a paycheck. Ask questions of the people you represent. We need to understand we are in crisis. I look forward to talking about things that need to be addressed but not a tax increase,” said AmyBeth Hodges.
“I don’t think at this time we can afford to raise taxes,” said Tim Seigman.
Sylvan Hershey said he was opposed to the SBR but agreed a small tax increase was appropriate.
Perrin reiterated the need for a small tax increase. “We’re growing the difference between our revenues and expenditures. The difference is about $4.1 million, which is about 2/3 of our fund balance.”
During the regular school board meeting, Gettysburg High School principal Jeremy Lusk described the modified commencement activities that would occur on May 29 from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the high school.
Lusk said the ceremonies would start with a vehicle parade – the “Parade of Warriors.” The parade “should be exciting, fun, and memorable for the kids, They and their families deserve it. Parents and grandparents will be able to safely participate. We’ve put a lot of time and energy into it,” said Perrin.
Lusk said people viewing the parade would be safely spread out.
Lusk said the parade would be followed at 7:00 p.m. by a virtual commencement ceremony including a valedictorian speech, music, and diploma presentations. “There are a lot details in the planning,” said Lusk.
Board President Kenneth Hassinger thanked Lusk for his work, especially for the Twitter account messaging he has been providing, and Kathleen Pratt said she enjoyed seeing the signs supporting graduates around the community.
Soliday said the ceremony would allow children to connect emotionally.
Lusk said dates would be forthcoming to allow students to drop off school materials they have at home and to collect materials from their school lockers.
In other business, the board renewed the contract for the Gettysburg Montessori School.
The board also discussed and approved the possibility of taking loans by issuing state bonds for future capital improvements. Hassinger said the current vote did not authorize any money to be borrowed but that borrowing would be done piece by piece going forward as needed. Dickerson and Hodges voted against the motion.
Perrin said the district was planning to move to a one-to-one model where every student in the district, including middle and elementary school students, would be provided a personal technology device to use for online learning.
Hassinger said the next board meeting on June 1 would be held in the district’s board room with appropriate social distancing.
Charles (Chuck) Stangor is Gettysburg Connection's Owner, Publisher, and Editor in Chief. I would like to hear from you. Please contact me at cstangor@gettysburgconnection.org.