On a split 6-3 vote, the Littlestown Area School District (LASD) school board approved a proposed 2022-23 budget that includes a 1% property tax increase. Voting against the budget were board members Jeanne Ewen, Nicki Kenny, and Shari Kruger.
Kenny initially made a motion to table the budget “so that it may be sent back to committee or administration for a deeper look on how to remove the 1% tax increase.” Reasons given for tabling included that the information had not been received in a timely manner and that more study time for considering the budget was needed.

The motion to table failed with only Ewen, Kenny, and Kruger voting in the affirmative.
The district said more changes were likely to be made before a final vote in June.
Four foreign exchange students, who hail from Brazil, Russia, Japan, and France and who have attended Littlestown High School this year, received accolades from principal Joey Moran.
Following the board’s recognition, the students each presented a flag from their home country to the school. These flags will begin a tradition where future exchange students will add a personalized message to flags from their home country, or by gifting a flag of their own.
The three April students of the month, pictured below, were honored with tales of laughter, achievement, and success.
Student reporters from the middle and high school summarized end of the year testing, celebrations, and events for the board. Among the news: the high school prom was a success and all students are looking forward to their summer break, swiftly approaching in June.
Beth Becker gave a report for the Thunderbolt Foundation. Some exciting highlights included the award of 5 Innovative Inquiry Grant Programs that provide teachers extra funds to support programs that are “above and beyond what teachers can do in the classroom, and using things that are not supported in the regular school budget.”
The five winners, who represented elementary, middle, and high school will use their funds for projects including supporting homeless students with clothing and food supplies, using journaling to support student and staff mental health, and a circus project that will bring a week-long residency and culminating performance in the fall. The Thunderbolt foundation hopes these projects will increase inquiry and innovation for students who are able to participate in these efforts.
Superintendent Chris Bigger spoke highly of the Senior Self Improvement Award Breakfast which has been organized by Bill Shoemaker and Walt Jones for the last 20 years.
“This [event] highlights students who have overcome significant challenges in their home life, school life, and personal life. Some of the stories are heart-wrenching but schools attend the breakfast and it is a great ceremony, and families attend. It is neat to watch a student overcome challenges and then be confident enough to talk about it and share in a room full of people.”
Upcoming Events:
Spring High School Music Department Concert – Thursday at 6:30 Littlestown High Auditorium.
Thunderbolt Foundation Clothing Drive – May 21st at Alloway Creek Elementary School
Thunderbolt Foundation Golf Tournament – May 27th
Fun Fest Summer Reading Kickoff – June 2 at Gettysburg Rec Park
Graduation – June 3 at Littlestown High School
Featured image caption: From left to right: Florence Vandersluys- France; Riko Kambayashi- Japan; Anna Titova- Russia; Maria “Duda” Marton- Brazil
The next board meeting will be held June 20th at 6 p.m.
Hannah Eastham is a freelance journalist and travel writer. Hannah has a strong background in writing with a degree from university in Marketing and Communications with a focus in journalism, and has held staff positions on various publications before swapping to freelance. Now a full time educator and a part time freelancer, Hannah enjoys practicing what she teaches with keeping her writing relevant and current.