The Gettysburg Area School District’s Board of Directors continued its deep dive into the 2025-26 budget on Monday, this time with a new but familiar member at the dias. The board unanimously voted to appoint Kathleen Pratt to a vacancy created when Cynthia Ayers resigned last month. Pratt served on the board from 2017-2021 and is seeking a four-year term in November’s General Election as a Democrat. Her current appointment expires in December 2025.
After the vote, Board President Kenneth Hassinger thanked all who applied for the seat.
“It takes some strong character to come in here and go through the process,” Hassinger said, reflecting a similar experience he had before being elected to office.
Hassinger did not name the other applicants, but District Communications Coordinator Vanessa Sanders confirmed they were Ryan Kerney and Julieta Booz. Booz will be on November’s ticket as a Democrat seeking a four-year term. Kerney and others interested in serving have another chance, as Ayers’ seat will now be on the ticket for a two-year term. Since she resigned before the deadline to appear on the Primary ticket, the Republican and Democratic parties now have an opportunity to select candidates, District Business Manager Belinda Wallen said last month.
Budget
The board continues to struggle over whether to raise taxes 1% or 1.5%. In both scenarios, 1% will be dedicated to the future expansion of Adams County Technical Institute. The budget option with a 1% increase has a $696,000 allocation for the district’s capital plan, whereas the 1.5% increase option has a capital plan funded with $1 million.
Wallen said the administration recommends a 1.5% increase. District Superintendent Dr. Jason Perrin warned the board that avoiding increasing structural revenues will put future boards in a perilous position.
Hassinger said he struggles with approving a 1.5% tax increase because the district usually realizes a surplus when the annual audit is finalized.
“Shoving one-time money into the budget each year to fill gaps is going to put future boards at risk,” Perrin said.
Both proposals call for eliminating the district’s $25,000 to Gettysburg Area Education Foundation to fund its executive director. Board Member Alice Broadway expressed opposition to the cut because she believes the organization benefits students.
The board will finalize its budget during its June 16 meeting.
Eagle Scout Proposal
Before the board started discussing how to spend money, student Caleb Sellers presented them with an opportunity that would cost them nothing.
Sellers, a Boy Scout, wants to build a bandstand in the district’s Unity Park on Baltimore Street for his Eagle Scout project.
Sellers said the structure would be designed in the style of bandstands from the 1870s and 1880s, and he will be responsible for securing funding. He believes it will enhance the park’s functionality and appeal as well as encourage community engagement.
Hassinger said the board will vote on the proposal during its June 16 meeting.
“I am confident you have board support,” Hassinger said.
Featured Image: Kathleen Pratt was appointed to the Gettysburg Area School District Board of Education on Monday, June 2.
Alex J. Hayes has spent almost two decades in the Adams County news business. He is passionate about sharing stories focused on the people in our communities and following local governments in an age when few journalists report on their meetings. Alex is also a freelance writer for several other publications in South Central Pennsylvania. Alex encourages readers to contact him at ahayes83@gmail.com.
Congratulations to Kathleen Pratt for being selected to fill the school board vacancy created by Ms. Ayers’ resignation. Her experience on the board allows her to seamlessly step into the position. I was honored to be allowed to interview for the vacant position. I am serious about being able to serve the Gettysburg Area School District and was surprised there weren’t any more candidates applying for the opportunity to serve.