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Citizen Portal News Pennsylvania
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State College City Council is taking bold steps to reshape housing in the West End by limiting deed-restriction incentives, sparking a heated debate on the future of development!

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#StateCollegeCityCentreCounty #PA #CitizenPortal #CommunityDevelopment #UrbanPlanning
Council signals deed‑restriction requirement limited to West End as zoning draft is refined
At a Feb. 10 work session, State College City council members directed staff to keep a requirement that the first incentive in the West End be one floor of deed‑restricted non‑student housing, but declined to extend that prioritization to other mixed‑use districts; staff will reflect the direction in the next draft.
citizenportal.ai
February 16, 2026 at 3:34 PM
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Dover Area School District receives a clean audit opinion, but a $1.5 million drop in the general fund raises questions about future funding.

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#PA #CitizenPortal #PennsylvaniaSchools #AuditCompliance #EducationFunding
Independent auditors give Dover Area SD a clean opinion; district reviews capital and reserve balances
Auditors from Boyer & Ritter presented an unmodified (clean) opinion on the district’s financial statements and compliance audits, reviewed a roughly $1.5 million general‑fund decrease and highlighted GASB 101’s impact on compensated‑absences liabilities.
citizenportal.ai
February 16, 2026 at 2:19 PM
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After a fiery debate, the Elizabethtown Area School District board has approved the classics "The Great Gatsby" and "Little Women" for the 10th-grade curriculum, igniting discussions on literary diversity and content appropriateness.

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#PA #LiteratureAccess #CommunityInvolvement
After heated debate and public outcry, Elizabethtown board approves The Great Gatsby and Little Women for 10th-grade unit
Following extended debate among board members, teachers and dozens of public commenters about five proposed novels, the Elizabethtown Area School District board approved The Great Gatsby and Little Women for immediate use in the 10th-grade curriculum while asking staff to find additional alternative titles for later semesters.
citizenportal.ai
February 16, 2026 at 2:15 PM
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The Neshaminy School District is facing a staggering $14 million budget deficit, sparking urgent calls for community involvement in finding solutions.

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#PA #CitizenPortal #PennsylvaniaSchools #FiscalResponsibility
Business-operations committee flags multimillion-dollar shortfall as budget work continues
Committee chairs reported a first-pass budget shortfall and urged public participation in committee meetings as staff and directors plan next steps to close an estimated gap.
citizenportal.ai
February 16, 2026 at 2:14 PM
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Dover Area School District is considering a $5 million grant to tackle urgent HVAC issues at Live Elementary and North Salem, with a strong push for a comprehensive solution that could save on costly future repairs.

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#PA #CitizenPortal #PennsylvaniaSchools
Dover Area SD weighs three HVAC grant options, board leans toward comprehensive fix
District staff presented three options for a Public School Facility Improvement Grant to address chillers, controls and noisy unit ventilators at Live Elementary and North Salem; board members indicated a preference for Option 3 and to explore applying for the full $5 million grant.
citizenportal.ai
February 16, 2026 at 1:58 PM
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East High School's heating and cooling systems are nearing the end of their lifespan, and Quandell Energy Services has revealed three innovative options for modernization that could significantly impact the learning environment.

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#PA #CitizenPortal #SchoolFacilities
Elizabethtown board hears three HVAC retrofit options, ESCO urges Feb. 24 decision to meet summer construction window
Quandell Energy Services presented three options for East High's HVAC replacement — central plant replacement, central geothermal plant, or individual geothermal heat pumps — with 20-year ownership cost estimates and a recommended board decision at the Feb. 24 voting meeting to allow March bidding and summer construction.
citizenportal.ai
February 16, 2026 at 1:35 PM
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The Allentown Planning Commission has hit the brakes on the ambitious 7-story AW Living project, raising urgent concerns over zoning, historic preservation, and potential sinkholes!

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#AllentownCityLehighCounty #PA #UrbanDevelopment #CitizenPortal #HistoricPreservation
Commission tables 7-story AW Living project at 112 N. 8th Street pending zoning and HARB review
The planning commission tabled the 7-story mixed-use AW Living proposal at 112 N. 8th Street after hearing staff, architect and public concerns about demolition in the historic overlay, parking, trash logistics and geotechnical risks; applicant asked for conditional approval but was told to pursue zoning/HARB first.
citizenportal.ai
February 16, 2026 at 1:08 PM
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A mysterious $120 million in funding was discussed in a recent meeting, but crucial details about its source and purpose remain under wraps.

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#LuzerneCounty #PA #WilkesBarreFunding #CitizenPortal #CommunityInvestment #BudgetAllocation
Speaker cites "about $120,000,000" in funding; transcript gives no source or formal action
Speaker 2 said the meeting included discussion of "new money and about $120,000,000," and referenced prior service timing; the transcript does not identify the funding source, purpose, or any formal vote.
citizenportal.ai
February 16, 2026 at 12:05 PM
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The Neshaminy School District faces intense scrutiny over its proposed Responsible Contractor policy, with board members and the public demanding transparency and thorough research before moving forward.

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#PA #CitizenPortal #EducationPolicy #PennsylvaniaSchools
Neshaminy board hears sharp questions on proposed responsible-contractor policy; members ask for more research
Board members and public commenters pressed the Neshaminy School District on who drafted proposed policy 817 and what research and stakeholder consultation informed it, with several members urging tabling the measure until the policy committee meets again on March 19.
citizenportal.ai
February 16, 2026 at 11:37 AM
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Tensions rise in Beaver County as resident John Kimball questions the commissioners on their stance regarding a controversial 287(g) agreement with federal immigration authorities.

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#BeaverCounty #PA #CivicAccountability #ImmigrationPolicy #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety
Visitor asks about 287(g) agreement; commissioners say county will not place it on the agenda
A visitor asked whether Beaver County would consider approving a '287(g)' agreement with federal immigration authorities; the presiding official said the board's stance has not changed and that the agreement 'will not come forward onto one of our agendas,' noting the sheriff entered an agreement independently.
citizenportal.ai
February 16, 2026 at 11:30 AM
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The Northern Lebanon School District Board's narrow 5-4 vote for a 4.2% tax increase has ignited fierce debates over funding, inflation, and the impact of charter schools on local budgets.

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#PA #CommunityBudgeting #CitizenPortal #PennsylvaniaSchools #EducationFunding #TaxReform
Northern Lebanon board adopts 4.2% index tax increase for 2026–27 budget after split vote
The Northern Lebanon School District board voted 5–4 to adopt a budget built on a 4.2% index tax increase for 2026–27 after debate about charter-school costs, CTC renovation obligations and use of fund balance.
citizenportal.ai
February 16, 2026 at 11:14 AM
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The West York Area School District Board is raising eyebrows over a proposed 6.78% budget increase and a costly property purchase that could drastically deplete reserves.

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#PA #CivicAccountability #CitizenPortal #PennsylvaniaSchools #EducationBudget #PublicSafety
West York Area SD board questions York Techbudget increase and adjacent-property purchase
Board members pressed York County School of Technology over a proposed 6.78% budget increase, transportation and staffing cost drivers, and a recommended adjacent-property purchase that carries $350,000 in estimated mitigation work, arguing the package could deplete reserves and should be reworked.
citizenportal.ai
February 16, 2026 at 9:46 AM
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The William Penn School District is seeking your input on the future of its English/language arts curriculum after revealing promising growth results from various pilot programs.

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#PA #CurriculumPilot #CitizenPortal #LiteracyGrowth #CommunityFeedback #PennsylvaniaEducation
William Penn SD outlines ELA curriculum pilot results, opens community feedback through Feb. 23
District leaders presented MAP growth and teacher/principal feedback from elementary and secondary ELA pilots, released a self-guided package on Feb. 17, and will take community recommendations through Feb. 23 to inform a 2026–27 curriculum choice.
citizenportal.ai
February 16, 2026 at 7:16 AM
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Phoenixville Borough Council is making waves with its recent unanimous approvals, including a new Chipotle site and crucial property settlements on Bridge Street!

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#PhoenixvilleChesterCounty #PA #UrbanDevelopment #PhoenixvilleBorough #CommunityRegulations #CitizenPortal
Phoenixville council approves settlement on Bridge Street properties, adopts regulations, and conditionally approves Chipotle site
At its Feb. 10 meeting, Phoenixville Borough Council unanimously approved an independent contractor agreement for a medical director, a settlement requiring remediation of properties on Bridge Street, amendments to business regulations, a resolution for special events, a HARB certificate for 184 Bridge Street, and conditional approval for a Chipotle pad site at 1000 Nutt Road.
citizenportal.ai
February 16, 2026 at 6:57 AM
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William Penn School District is making impressive strides in narrowing its achievement gap, showing about a half-year of recovery in learning since the pandemic!

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#PA #CitizenPortal #EducationSupports #PennsylvaniaEducation #LearningRecovery #AchievementGap
Analysis: William Penn SD shows about half-year relative learning recovery, district staff say
Using the Education Recovery School Scorecard, district staff reported William Penn made relative gains in math and ELA after COVID-19, narrowing pre-pandemic gaps and outperforming similar districts in recovery; staff recommended restoring some roles to sustain gains.
citizenportal.ai
February 16, 2026 at 6:40 AM
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Sunbury has a new police chief, but a heated debate over taxpayer-funded retirement celebrations has left the council divided!

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#SunburyCityNorthumberlandCounty #PA #CivicAccountability #CommunityInvolvement #CitizenPortal #SunburyPolice
Sunbury swears in new police chief amid debate over retirement-party reimbursements
Sergeant Slack was sworn in as Sunbury’s new police chief after the council approved a contract; council members debated whether taxpayer funds should have reimbursed costs for the outgoing chief’s retirement celebration, with some offering to personally cover expenses and others calling for clearer procedures.
citizenportal.ai
February 16, 2026 at 6:13 AM
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Munhall could save over $800,000 with a groundbreaking solar power-purchase agreement that promises no upfront costs and long-term energy management!

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#MunhallAlleghenyCounty #PA #MunhallSolar #CitizenPortal #SustainableDevelopment #RenewableEnergy #LocalEconomy
Munhall reviews regional solar PPA; presenters say deal could save roughly $800,000 over 25 years
Nonprofit presenters outlined a power-purchase agreement (PPA) model that would finance, build and operate a ground-mounted solar installation for Munhall for 25 years, with monitoring, maintenance and an estimated borough-level savings modeled at just north of $800,000 over the contract term; councilors asked for production data, tax implications and follow-up documents.
citizenportal.ai
February 16, 2026 at 5:53 AM
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A groundbreaking partnership between the William Penn School District and Chester County Intermediate Unit is transforming how students with special needs receive personal care assistance, promising greater independence and significant cost savings.

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#PA #BehavioralHealth
William Penn SD partners with CCIU to reduce reliance on personal care assistants
District staff described a multi-pronged partnership with the Chester County Intermediate Unit aimed at reducing PCA use through a formal PCA request process, PCA 'fading' plans, teacher/coaching supports and Medicaid-funded IBHS that can shift funding off the district.
citizenportal.ai
February 16, 2026 at 5:50 AM
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The Council Rock School District is weighing a debt strategy that could lower your taxes now but might cost millions in the long run.

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#PA #TaxPolicy #CitizenPortal #PennsylvaniaSchools #LongTermPlanning #EducationFinance
Council Rock Finance Committee directs staff to prepare wrap‑around debt resolution to reduce near‑term tax pressure
Council Rock School District’s finance committee reviewed two financing options for a multi‑project capital plan and asked staff to prepare a wrap‑around debt parameters resolution for consideration March 19, 2025, citing lower near‑term tax increases but higher long‑term interest costs.
citizenportal.ai
February 16, 2026 at 5:41 AM
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Phoenixville residents are demanding action after disturbing federal immigration enforcement activities left families terrified, urging the Borough Council to implement local protections for their community.

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#PhoenixvilleChesterCounty #PA #CitizenPortal #LocalGovernance
Phoenixville residents demand ordinances after Feb. 3 enforcement; council pledges review and policy discussion
Dozens of residents urged Phoenixville Borough Council on Feb. 10 to codify limits on federal immigration enforcement after an alleged Feb. 3 arrest near Borough Hall; council members said they will review ideas in policy committee and pursue all legal options available to protect residents.
citizenportal.ai
February 16, 2026 at 3:58 AM
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Board members are tackling crucial updates to extracurricular policies and GPA eligibility, ensuring no vital requirements slip through the cracks as they navigate the complexities of Act 55.

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#PA #CivicAccountability #CitizenPortal #EducationPolicy #PennsylvaniaSchools
Board debates PSBA policy renumbering, Act 55 training and extracurricular GPA language
Board members discussed proposed PSBA policy updates and the organization of policies 1.22 and 1.23 (extracurriculars and athletics), debated where GPA eligibility language should appear, and reviewed Act 55 training and PSBA’s role; members agreed to place clarified language on display and vote in March.
citizenportal.ai
February 15, 2026 at 10:58 AM
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Crafton Borough Council is taking a stand on public-notice reforms, balancing the push for digital access with the need to protect residents who rely on printed notices.

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#CraftonAlleghenyCounty #PA #LegislativeReform #CitizenPortal #DigitalAccess #CivicEngagement
Crafton council to develop letter backing changes to public-notice rules, with cautions
After a lengthy debate, Crafton council voted to develop a letter of support for Senate Bill 194 (public-notice/advertising reform) while urging amendments to protect residents without digital access and to preserve some printed posting requirements.
citizenportal.ai
February 15, 2026 at 10:57 AM
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Crafton is set to revamp its streets with a $1.3 million grant for a new bus lane and exciting park upgrades—transforming the community for everyone!

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#CraftonAlleghenyCounty #PA #InfrastructureImprovements #CitizenPortal #CommunityDevelopment #PublicEngagement
Crafton wins $1.3M earmark for Crafton Boulevard bus lane; parks and pool grants also advance
A congressional community project funding award of $1.3 million will fund a divided bus lane and streetscaping for Crafton Boulevard. Additional grants — $500K for park rehabilitation (award) and $250K DCNR plus $155K GEDTF for pool upgrades — were announced and will require local matching and design work.
citizenportal.ai
February 15, 2026 at 9:13 AM
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The Operations Committee has moved forward with a staggering $1.6 million water main extension and a $601,497 security camera package for Doe Run Elementary, but questions linger about potential insurance shortfalls.

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#PA #CitizenPortal #CommunitySecurity
Board committees advance Doe Run water‑main change order and large security/camera procurements
Operations Committee moved multiple capital items to the full board, notably a $1,612,269.53 Burrow Construction change order for a Doe Run Elementary water‑main extension (within the project budget but with a likely additional insurance shortfall) and a $601,497.70 Verkada camera package for the new Doe Run facility; trustees said most work is included in construction budgets or grant-funded items.
citizenportal.ai
February 14, 2026 at 11:27 PM
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The school board grapples with alarming enrollment disparities and AP course inequities between North and South campuses, raising questions about the future of student opportunities and transportation challenges.

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#PA #TransportationChallenges #CitizenPortal #InstructionalEquity
Board discusses North/South enrollment gap, AP inequities and transportation constraints
Board and superintendent discussed enrollment imbalances between North (~800–976) and South (~1,200–1,268), AP course inequities, MCTI scheduling impacts and bus-route strain (district buses drive ~6,100 miles/day; average rides ~24–25 minutes); redistricting maps and consistent counts were requested for analysis.
citizenportal.ai
February 14, 2026 at 11:23 PM