The Littlestown Area School Board faced public criticism Monday over its proposed 2026-27 budget, while students and parents urged the district to expand athletic opportunities.
At the center of the meeting was a proposed budget projecting $44.8 million in spending against $42.16 million in revenue, creating a structural deficit of about $2.64 million. District officials said the plan would avoid a property tax increase but would reduce the district’s unassigned fund balance from roughly $3.33 million to about $688,000 — about 1.54 percent of expenditures.
Business officials described that reserve level as manageable for the coming year, while acknowledging the district will need longer-term structural planning if deficits continue.
Some board members and residents questioned whether the district is relying too heavily on optimistic assumptions, particularly projected state funding increases that have not yet been approved.
One district parent and taxpayer said the district’s repeated use of reserve funds to avoid tax increases is creating a larger financial problem. “This is not a solution,” the speaker said. “It is a compounding crisis.”
Another resident criticized what was described as a lack of transparency in the budget process and argued the district is delaying difficult financial decisions. “A yes vote is a vote knowingly adopting a budget that violates your policy,” the resident told the board, referring to the district’s reserve fund guidelines.
Others argued the board should focus on spending reductions rather than tax increases, with one speaker calling for cuts in administrative costs.
Board discussion also focused on a proposed $68,400 in-town bus route intended to reduce crowding, shorten ride times, and ease discipline concerns on elementary routes. Some board members questioned whether the added expense was justified, noting buses are not currently exceeding legal capacity.
Public comment included statements from students and parents seeking approval of a cooperative lacrosse program with the Gettysburg School District that would allow Littlestown students to compete at the high school level.
Students described the program as an important opportunity for athletic development and possible college recruitment, while parents said families would help offset startup costs through fundraising and volunteer support. “If the board says no, we lose this opportunity forever,” one student told the board.
Another student urged the district to create a girls wrestling program, even if families had to help support it initially.
District administrators said both lacrosse and girls wrestling proposals have effectively been deferred until the 2027-28 budget cycle, though the board did support replacing the high jump pit because of safety concerns.
The meeting also included comments from a longtime resident who said foul balls from the school baseball field have repeatedly damaged his property over the years. The resident said the issue has persisted for decades and warned of possible safety risks to motorists and pedestrians. Board members said they are reviewing possible solutions related to athletic facilities and agreed to accept documentation for consideration.