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Citizen Portal News Pennsylvania
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Pine-Richland School District is set to invest $20.1 million over the next three years to upgrade essential facilities like HVAC systems, roofs, and flooring, ensuring a safer and more comfortable environment for students.

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#PA #EnvironmentalSustainability
Pine‑Richland staff outline $20.1 million, three‑year capital plan focused on HVAC, roofs, asbestos abatement and paving
District staff presented a three‑year, $20.1 million capital plan focused on HVAC upgrades, roof replacements, flooring and a middle‑school asbestos abatement partly covered by a state grant; staff described phasing to spread costs across years and retain reserves to earn interest.
citizenportal.ai
February 19, 2026 at 8:26 PM
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The Erie Public Schools board has made significant changes by dissolving the Athletics Facilities Commission and approving renovations, all while addressing equity concerns in future projects.

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#PA #CitizenPortal #EquityInclusion #PennsylvaniaSchools #FacilityImprovements
Erie board dissolves Athletics Facilities Commission, approves renovations and adopts amended board rules
The Erie Public Schools board voted to dissolve the Athletics Facilities Commission, approved renovations to the boardroom (carried 7–1), adopted amended board rules after a grammatical clarification, and approved awards on construction bids while flagging equity issues for follow‑up.
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February 19, 2026 at 8:17 PM
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Progress on the high-school renovation is exciting, but heated debates over cafeteria restroom designs and flooring issues have sparked community concerns!

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#PA #CommunityInvolvement #CitizenPortal #PennsylvaniaSchools #EducationReform #PublicSafety
High‑school renovation shows progress; cafeteria restroom design prompts public concern
District updates show steady progress on high‑school additions and MEP work, but several public commenters and board members raised safety and notice concerns about new single‑stall cafeteria restrooms and recent flooring issues.
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February 19, 2026 at 8:15 PM
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The Dover Area School District is facing a daunting $4.77 million budget shortfall, prompting urgent discussions on tax increases and cost-saving measures.

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#PA #BudgetDeficit #CitizenPortal #PennsylvaniaSchools #EducationFunding #FiscalResponsibility
Preliminary 2026–27 budget shows nearly $4.8M gap; board weighs tax, fund balance and program options
CFO Amanda Weaver presented a preliminary 2026–27 budget projecting an adjusted anticipated deficit of about $4.77 million. Board members discussed using the Act 1 adjusted index, millage increases, fund balance usage, potential revenue from future commercial development and measures to curb costs including reducing cyber charter outflows.
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February 19, 2026 at 8:13 PM
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West Chester Area School District celebrates impressive gains on the AP Honor Roll while unveiling a comprehensive counseling plan aimed at supporting every student's journey!

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#PA #CitizenPortal #PennsylvaniaSchools #EducationReform #AcademicExcellence #MentalHealthSupport
TLE committee highlights AP Honor Roll gains, adopts Act 339 counseling plan summary and approves MyPerspectives for grades 610
The Teaching, Learning & Equity committee reviewed AP Honor Roll results, received an Act 339 comprehensive counseling-plan overview, approved Savvas MyPerspectives for grades 610, and approved a three-year contract for the district's student data and MTSS platform.
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February 19, 2026 at 8:10 PM
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Methacton High School's ambitious renovation plan could reshape traffic flow and parking dynamics while adding over 20,000 square feet of new space—are you ready for the changes?

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#PA #CitizenPortal #PennsylvaniaSchools #EducationReform #TrafficManagement #CommunityPlanning
Methacton High School renovation: schematic design, traffic fixes and next steps
Design team presented schematic-design updates for Methacton High School, described site changes that could add queue capacity but remove 91 parking spaces, reconciled a square-footage discrepancy with prior estimates, and outlined land-development and permitting steps toward design development.
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February 19, 2026 at 8:06 PM
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Mill Creek's CFO reveals alarming budget challenges as rising special education needs and low state aid leave the district facing a staggering $13.8 million shortfall.

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#PA #BudgetPressures #CitizenPortal #PennsylvaniaSchools #SpecialEducation #EducationFunding
Mill Creek CFO warns of rising mandates, low state aid and local tax gaps in 2026 budget presentation
CFO Aaron O'Toole told the board Feb. 10 that Mill Creek ranks low in state and federal revenue per student, relies heavily on local revenue (63.8% in 24/25), and faces growing special-education and health-care costs; he estimated $8.3 million in foregone revenue if the district had raised taxes to the Act 1 index since 2019.
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February 19, 2026 at 7:25 PM
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The Mill Creek Township School District is taking a bold step forward with major design approvals for Gus Anderson Field and Chestnut Hill Elementary, but will community fundraising meet the challenge?

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#PA #CitizenPortal #PennsylvaniaSchools #EducationReform #PublicSafety
Mill Creek board approves design work for Gus Anderson Field and Chestnut Hill renovation amid fundraising and scope questions
The Mill Creek Township School District approved two design contracts on Feb. 10: CHA was cleared for design of the Gus Anderson Field ($910,550) and HHSDR for Chestnut Hill Elementary additions/alterations (design fee recorded at $1,650,000), while board members pressed for clearer fundraising agreements and phased options if private fundraising falls short.
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February 19, 2026 at 6:33 PM
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The Wallingford-Swarthmore School District is taking bold steps to tackle future deficits by proposing a reorganization plan that could eliminate up to 19 positions while adding new supervisory roles.

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#PA #CitizenPortal #PennsylvaniaSchools #BudgetReform #EducationSavings
Wallingford‑Swarthmore presents reorganization to trim costs, limit use of fund balance
Administrators proposed a four‑tier reorganization and budget phases intended to reduce reliance on fund balance, forecasted pre‑net savings of roughly $2 million and recommended eliminating or not refilling up to 19 positions while adding two supervisory instructional posts; the board will consider the plan Feb. 23, 2026.
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February 19, 2026 at 6:25 PM
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Chambersburg schools are taking bold steps to address a staggering 49% of third graders falling behind in reading, with a comprehensive plan that includes AI tutors and extensive teacher training.

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#PA #CitizenPortal #LiteracyInnovation #PennsylvaniaEducation #AIInEducation
Chambersburg schools roll out AIM training, AI tutor and expanded interventions to boost third‑grade reading
District officials told the board that 49% of recent third graders failed the district’s two‑of‑three reading metric and proposed AIM Institute professional development, a lead literacy specialist, expanded 'Walk to Read' interventions and an 'Amira' AI tutor pilot. Budget planning anticipates recurring costs between about $802,000 and $2 million depending on scale.
citizenportal.ai
February 19, 2026 at 5:59 PM
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The North Penn School District is rolling out an innovative year-long professional development plan focused on school safety, equity, and multilingual learner support, ensuring teachers are equipped for today’s challenges.

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#PA #CitizenPortal #PennsylvaniaSchools
North Penn SD details expanded professional development plan emphasizing safety, equity and multilingual‑learner supports
District supervisors presented a year‑long professional development plan that prioritizes sustained, job‑embedded training on school safety, cultural proficiency, curriculum review, multilingual‑learner supports and a two‑year teacher induction program. The board asked for follow‑up on AI guidance and PD hour limits.
citizenportal.ai
February 19, 2026 at 5:43 PM
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The Downingtown Area School District just approved a major capital spending plan, unlocking up to $30 million for crucial upgrades like window replacements and new snow-removal equipment!

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#PA #CitizenPortal #PennsylvaniaSchools #TechnologyInnovation #InfrastructureDevelopment
Downingtown board hears capital‑plan priorities, approves bond parameters up to $30 million
The Downingtown Area School District board reviewed a proposed 2026–27 capital spending plan — highlighting window replacements, building automation, snow‑removal equipment and technology refreshes — and approved a bond parameters resolution authorizing up to $30 million in non‑electoral general obligation debt.
citizenportal.ai
February 19, 2026 at 5:19 PM
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West Chester Area School District is eyeing a potential $33 million bond to fund critical construction projects and streamline their debt obligations.

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#PA #CitizenPortal #PennsylvaniaSchools #EducationFunding #CapitalProjects #DebtManagement
West Chester Area SD receives PFM briefing on roughly $33 million bond plan, schedules March parameters vote
A municipal advisory presentation outlined a potential roughly $33 million bond issue to finish capital projects, explained how timing uses debt drop-offs to limit near-term debt service, and proposed a parameters-resolution timeline with board consideration in March.
citizenportal.ai
February 19, 2026 at 5:18 PM
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Student leaders are pushing for menstrual products in school restrooms to combat absenteeism and enhance student well-being, backed by a state allocation of nearly $19,000.

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#PA #CitizenPortal #PennsylvaniaSchools #StudentEmpowerment #EducationInnovation #HealthAccess
Student leaders urge district to place menstrual products in school restrooms, cite $18,959 state allocation
A student leadership group asked the board to pilot restroom distribution of menstrual products at middle and high schools, citing Act 55 funds and local pilot work; the district will pursue research and controlled-distribution options to limit misuse and plumbing problems.
citizenportal.ai
February 19, 2026 at 5:14 PM
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Harrisburg's education leaders are poised to adopt the innovative Reveal Math program, promising enhanced resources and support for K–8 students—will the board give it the green light on February 24?

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#PA #CitizenPortal #MathAdoption #DiverseLearners #PennsylvaniaEducation
Harrisburg administrators recommend McGraw Hill’s Reveal Math for K–8, board to consider Feb. 24
Supervisors recommended adopting McGraw Hill Reveal Math for K–8 after a district committee review; McGraw Hill offered roughly $396,000 in teacher materials and six years of teacher digital access at no cost. The board moved the adoption to the Feb. 24 consent agenda for a vote.
citizenportal.ai
February 19, 2026 at 5:07 PM
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Pleasant Valley School District is on the rise with impressive attendance improvements and targeted curriculum changes aimed at elevating student achievement!

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#PA #CitizenPortal #DataLiteracy #PennsylvaniaSchools #StudentGrowth #CurriculumDevelopment
Pleasant Valley leaders present NWEA, Keystone and attendance data and outline curriculum changes
District administrators and school department chairs reviewed Keystone, PSSA and first-year NWEA (MAP) benchmark results across buildings, highlighted attendance gains and described curricular steps — HMH rollout, STEELS science alignment, WIN/intervention periods and expanded data literacy for teachers.
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February 19, 2026 at 5:04 PM
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The Wissahickon School District is taking a bold step by proposing a $140.9 million budget that could raise taxes by 5.1% to cover rising special-education costs.

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#PA #CitizenPortal #PennsylvaniaSchools #SpecialEducation #EducationFunding
Wissahickon board approves preliminary $140.9 million budget, authorizes state exception request
At a special meeting the Wissahickon School District board approved a $140,939,281 preliminary budget and authorized staff to apply for a special-education exception to exceed the Act 1 index, seeking a 5.1% cap. The vote passed 7–0 with two absences.
citizenportal.ai
February 19, 2026 at 4:53 PM
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The Centennial School District Board has just approved a preliminary budget for 2026–27, revealing a staggering $7 million deficit and raising questions about future tax implications.

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#PA #CitizenPortal #PennsylvaniaSchools #EducationFunding #FiscalResponsibility
Centennial School District adopts preliminary 2026–27 budget using 3.5% index; projected $7M shortfall
The Centennial School District board unanimously adopted a preliminary 2026–27 general fund budget that uses a 3.5% tax index, setting $161,181,895 in expenditures against $154,118,049 in projected revenue and a preliminary deficit of just over $7 million; the filing will be made with PDE to meet Act 1 deadlines.
citizenportal.ai
February 19, 2026 at 4:52 PM
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The Bethel Park School District received a clean audit opinion, but auditors warn of looming pension liabilities and rising cafeteria costs that could impact future finances.

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#PA #PensionLiabilities #CafeteriaFund #CitizenPortal
Auditors give Bethel Park School District a clean opinion; pension and cafeteria costs cited as continuing pressures
Cipher & Cipher reported an unmodified audit opinion for the year ended June 30, 2025, with a general fund balance of about $15.6 million and $6,000,191 unassigned; auditors flagged large pension and OPEB liabilities and recommended monitoring the cafeteria fund and fund-balance policy.
citizenportal.ai
February 19, 2026 at 4:51 PM
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Quakertown's heated debate over softball fields has led to two promising options, but community voices are pushing for fair access and natural surfaces!

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#PA #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #CommunityAccess #QuakertownSchools #SportsFacilities
Quakertown officials narrow softball options after heated public input
After a lengthy public exchange, the Quakertown Community SD facilities committee narrowed softball-rebuild options to a campus site and a Veterans Park renovation, with community speakers urging natural infields over full synthetic turf and asking the board to weigh JV/varsity access and drainage risks.
citizenportal.ai
February 19, 2026 at 4:51 PM
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Monroe County Commissioners just approved nearly $1.1 million in grants to enhance emergency communications and tackle homelessness—find out how these funds will make a difference!

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#MonroeCounty #PA #CitizenPortal #EmergencyCommunications #PublicHealth
Monroe County commissioners approve $857,950 emergency communications grant, $232,500 ESG and multiple contracts
The Monroe County Commissioners on Feb. 18 approved a PA Emergency Management Agency interconnectivity grant of $857,950.73, an Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) contract totaling $232,500 with $223,781.25 in subrecipient allocations, and a slate of contracts and budget adjustments, while also confirming appointments and vendor additions.
citizenportal.ai
February 19, 2026 at 3:44 PM
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Altoona Area School District reported a staggering $33 million fund balance but faced a $2.2 million operating deficit driven by a significant transfer to a capital reserve fund.

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#PA #CitizenPortal #PennsylvaniaSchools #AuditAccountability #CapitalPlanning
Audit: Altoona Area SD reports $33 million fund balance; $2.2 million operating deficit tied to capital transfer
Auditor Dave Scott told the board the district’s audited fund balance was about $33,000,000 on June 30, 2025; an operating deficit of roughly $2.2 million resulted largely from a $3 million transfer to a capital reserve. The board approved the single audit.
citizenportal.ai
February 19, 2026 at 3:16 PM
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The Methacton School District's preliminary budget faces a critical 5.29% tax increase as the board navigates a potential funding shortfall for special education.

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#PA #TaxPolicy #CitizenPortal #MethactonSchools #SpecialEducation #EducationFunding
Methacton board approves 2026–27 preliminary budget, authorizes Act 1 special-education exception
The Methacton School District board on Feb. 17 approved a 2026–27 preliminary budget that would require a 5.29% tax increase and authorized administration to apply for a special-education referendum exception under Act 1; the motion passed 9–0.
citizenportal.ai
February 19, 2026 at 2:37 PM
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Wallingford-Swarthmore School District is set to transform its facilities with a bold 10-year capital plan, unlocking grant opportunities that could drastically cut project costs!

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#PA #InfrastructureImprovement #CitizenPortal #PennsylvaniaSchools #EducationReform #PublicSafety
Wallingford‑Swarthmore previews 10‑year capital plan; SRS roof grant could cut district share to about $287,500
District administrators previewed a detailed, itemized capital plan and said a Public School Facility Improvement Grant would cover most of an SRS roof project; the district will pursue grant documentation and hold CHA presentations in March while pausing major solar installations until high‑school work is complete.
citizenportal.ai
February 19, 2026 at 1:40 PM
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The Harrisburg administration is pushing for the demolition of the historic William Penn building, citing staggering renovation costs and ongoing liabilities, while proposing to transform the site into much-needed athletic fields.

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#PA #PennsylvaniaProperty #CitizenPortal
Harrisburg administration recommends demolishing William Penn; board directs solicitor to prepare findings
Administration briefed eight options for the deteriorated William Penn building, citing renovation estimates of $13M–$94M and annual ongoing security/insurance costs (~$566,000). The administration recommended demolition and an athletic field; the board directed the solicitor to prepare written findings for a final disposition recommendation.
citizenportal.ai
February 19, 2026 at 1:21 PM