Last night’s Littlestown Area School District board meeting opened with a presentation from Jon Lehigh, marking National Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) Week. Lehigh told the board how FBLA reshaped his high school experience, from a “freshman with no work ethic” to a state officer who spoke before thousands at the Giant Center.
Lehigh described months of preparation, a successful campaign for FBLA vice president at large, and the impact of competitive events that recognized more than 80 students statewide. He said FBLA helped him gain mentors, leadership skills, and confidence.
Board members thanked him, with one noting that speaking before a large audience can be “terrifying” but ultimately empowering.
Littlestown High School Principal Nathan Becker reported that a recent student climate survey produced “overwhelmingly positive” results. Of 307 respondents, fewer students reported bullying than in prior years, and roughly 95–97% described the school as welcoming and supportive.
Becker also told the board the high school’s proposed 2026–27 budget is currently 5% lower than the previous two years, despite rising costs, and thanked department leaders for their work. He also recognized National School Counseling Week.
Maple Avenue Middle School Principal Cortney Golden highlighted counselors’ work after a recent period of grief in the school community, calling their support “proactive and compassionate.” Golden said eighth graders are completing mid-year “Firefly” science diagnostics aligned with the Pennsylvania System of School Assessment (PSSA), teachers are conducting cross-grade “vertical” classroom visits, and administrators have begun building next year’s schedules earlier than usual.
Alloway Creek Elementary Principal Joel Moran reported that kindergarten registration opened Feb. 1, with a May 14 kickoff planned for incoming students. Administrators have been conducting math walkthroughs using a common observation template focused on student learning. He also updated the board on the district’s Mystery Science pilot, including recent classroom observations and an upcoming visit to West York Area School District to see the program in action.
The Thunderbolt Foundation updated the board on several initiatives, including memorial donations directed by a local family, grants to a middle school book club for a virtual author visit, and ongoing support for the high school’s Care Closet.
The foundation also sponsored a storyteller visit for K–5 students featuring the book Enemy Pie, by Derek Munson, which emphasizes kindness and empathy. The book, illustrated by Tara Calahan King, teaches a lesson about friendship, kindness, and overcoming prejudice
During public comment, parent and taxpayer Bradley Keefer urged the district to take a more proactive approach to artificial intelligence, arguing that AI should be used to help teachers and not only treated as a student misuse problem.
Keefer praised the school’s response to a recent bullying incident but said follow-through will be the real test. He also raised concerns about custodial staffing shortages, suggesting the board consider alternatives to relying on contractors.
Keefer questioned continued spending on facilities, including baseball and softball projects, and asked whether the district has a clear five-year capital plan.
Another resident, Jeremy Ressler, called for policy changes after a board member’s social media post drew violent and sexual threats in the comments. He argued the district should adopt policies holding officials accountable for engaging with or amplifying such threats.
After debate and several split votes, the board approved:
- Transportation agreements
- The 2026–27 York Adams Academy operational budget
- Advertising for bids on baseball and softball field improvements
- Cafeteria, student activity, general fund, and capital project checks
- A revised Board Secretary job description
- The appointment of Business Manager Thomas Shoemaker as Board Secretary (March 1, 2026–June 30, 2028) with a $4,000 annual stipend
- An amended spring coaches list adding Chelsea Monsell as junior high girls soccer coach
- The Thunderbolt Foundation’s district branding guide
- ELA pilot materials (Wonders and HMH Into Reading)
Board member Steven Yerger highlighted recent SkillsUSA results, noting a gold and silver award in cake decorating and a seventh-place finish in culinary arts among 14 regional schools.
The meeting adjourned to an executive session to discuss personnel matters.
