LEWISTOWN — The Mifflin County School Board greenlit a $107,089,793 budget for the 2024-2025 school year at Thursday night’s voting meeting, maintaining current tax rates amid economic pressures.

In a 6-2 vote, board members approved the spending plan, which navigates rising costs without increasing the tax burden on district residents. Board members Zeb Harshbarger and Don Wright cast the dissenting votes. Board member Fred Nickel was not in attendance.

The approved real estate tax rate

remains at 34.5215 mills, translating to $34.52 for every $1,000 of assessed property value. The Board also maintained the $5 per capita tax on residents over 18, the $10 flat rate local services tax, the 1% real estate transfer tax, and the 1.35% earned income tax.

In related financial matters, the Board voted to suspend the Academy Expansion Project and retire associated debt indefinitely. The $99,223.25 payoff will come from the District’s Capital Reserve Fund, a move aimed at reducing long-term financial obligations.

The Board’s fiscal focus extended to the ongoing Multi-Sports Stadium Project, with members approving several change orders. These included a $2,997 increase for unexpected soil conditions and a $102,889 reduction through product substitution in drainage systems.

Naming rights and sponsorships for the stadium project took center stage as the Board unanimously approved new agreements and logos. Local businesses Lake Dealerships and Marcal Paper secured naming rights for specific fields, joining previously announced partners, First Quality and Kish Bank.

The approved logos will adorn the renamed Capouillez Field (baseball), First Quality Field (softball), Marcal Paper Field (auxiliary), and Kish Bank Field at Donald M. Chapman III Stadium.

The new fiscal year begins July 1, with district administrators now tasked with implementing the approved budget. With major financial decisions settled, the Board’s focus will shift to curriculum development, facility maintenance, and preparation for the 2024-2025 academic year.

The next board meeting is scheduled for Thursday, July 18.

In other news, the Board:

• Approved drivers for transportation:

• Allison Reynolds (Krise Transportation, Inc.)

• Angela Medina (Krise Transportation, Inc.)

• Ashley J. Zook (Krise Transportation, Inc.)

• Melissa S. Moyer (ER Rhodes)

• Renee L. Hooper (Krise Transportation)

• Approved the following bus companies to transport Athletic/Activity trips as needed for coverage when our current contractors are unable for the 2024-2025 school year:

• Melvin Hart

• J & L Rhone Services, LLC

• Fullington Trailways and VIP Limousine

• Grubb Bussing

• Lauver Brothers

• Approved the following financial items:

– Review of Treasurer Reports for the month ended May 31, 2024

– Review of listing of bills for payment

– Review of Revenue and Expense Summaries

– Real Estate and Per Capita Tax Collector Reports

– Per Capita Tax Exoneration Requests from Burnham Tax Collector retroactive to Dec. 31, 2023

– Approved 2023-2024 budget transfers

– Approved the Cafeteria Financial Report for May 2024

– Request authorization to pay Cafeteria Bills for May 2024

• Approved a fuel adjustment for bus contractors for the 2024-2025 school year whereby the District will pay an amount in excess of per gallon price when fuel cost exceeds $3.00/gallon.

• Approved hiring Deanna Patel, sub-contracted interpreter, to begin July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2025, at a rate of $40/hour.

• Approved Vance S. Varner, Superintendent, to carry over unused vacation days from the school year 23-24 to be used before December 31, 2024.

• Approved a change to the job description for the Part-time Person in Charge-Satellite Kitchen at EDES from 5.50 hours to 5.75 hours per day, effective July 1, 2024.

• Approved a change to the job description for the Part-time Person in Charge-Satellite Kitchen at LES from 5.50 hours to 5.75 hours per day, effective July 1, 2024.

• Approved a change to the job description for the Part-time Person in Charge-Satellite Kitchen at SMES from 5.50 hours to 5.75 hours per day, effective July 1, 2024.

• Approved a change to the job description for the Part-time Person in Charge-Satellite Kitchen at LIS from 5.50 hours to 5.75 hours per day, effective July 1, 2024.

• Approved a change to the job description for the Part-time Person in Charge-Satellite Kitchen at MC Academy from 5.25 hours to 5.50 hours per day, effective July 1, 2024.

• Approved Board Member Don Wright to attend the Pennsylvania School Safety Institute: School Safety Summit on Aug. 13, 2024, at the PSBA Headquarters, 400 Bent Creek Blvd.,

Mechanicsburg, PA. The District will be responsible for the cost of the Summit ($150) and travel expenses incurred.

• Approved Board Members Rose Salvo & Mark Baker to be appointed as delegates to attend the 2024 PSBA Delegate Assembly on Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024.

• Approved the attached MOU with MCESPA regarding an Educational Interpreter for the 2024-2025 school year.

• Approved authorization for Thomas White, Jr., Director of Buildings and Grounds, to sign documents on behalf of MCSD for the sale and purchase of registered vehicles and equipment.

• Approved the 2024 Homestead/Farmstead Exclusion Resolution. Homeowners approved will receive a deduction of the property tax by $48.43.

• Approved the following change orders to the Multi-Sports Facilities Project:

– ECI No. 1: $2997.00 for unsuitable soil during Fieldhouse A footer excavation.

– ECI No. 2: -$102,889.00 reduction in cost for the trench drain equivalent product substitution at Fieldhouse A.

– Silvertip Change Order No. 1: $4,426.33 for fieldhouse to field water connection, excavating and piping. This was missed on the fieldhouse drawings during the coordination between the field and fieldhouse projects. The field project called it out in an addendum, but was missed by the fieldhouse project.

– Silvertip Change Order No. 2: -$2,042.95 deduction for water meters that were included in the bill of materials. The Mifflin County Municipal Authority will supply these.

• Approved to grant a 16′ easement to First Energy for the new underground electric service at the secondary field and fieldhouse located on the old Highland Park School property at 490 6th Street, Lewistown, PA 17044. This will be Fleet Reps Fieldhouse at Marcal Paper Field.

• Approved to suspend, indefinitely, all facets of the Academy Expansion Project effective June 27, 2024, and to authorize and direct appropriate officers of the School District to prepay and retire the District’s outstanding General Obligation Note, Series of 2024.