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Citizen Portal News Pennsylvania
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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
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Springettsbury Township is gearing up for major upgrades and improvements, including a $2.04 million electrical contract for park enhancements and funding for vital police radios!

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#SpringettsburyYorkCounty #PA #CitizenPortal #LocalGovernance #CommunityDevelopment
Springettsbury supervisors approve park contract, police radio grant and PennDOT cost‑share; adopt fee changes
At the meeting supervisors approved a $2.04 million electrical contract for park upgrades, a $293,324 Commonwealth Financing Authority grant for police radios, a $10,000 Rockburn Park grant, equipment purchases and several resolutions including a PennDOT cost‑share for Mill Creek interceptor relocation; one resolution passed with a single abstention.
citizenportal.ai
February 14, 2026 at 10:31 PM
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Abington students are preparing to walk out in protest of immigration enforcement, sparking intense debate over their First Amendment rights and school policies.

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#PA #FirstAmendmentRights #CitizenPortal #EducationPolicy #CivicEngagement #AbingtonSchools
Abington board praises student protest rights; public speakers voice sharp disagreement over timing and taxes
Board members told students they support peaceful protest while reminding them of attendance rules; public commenters offered both strong support for student civic action and sharp criticism that walkouts are unsafe or inappropriate during school time. The board and superintendent said policies and attendance consequences will be applied consistently.
citizenportal.ai
February 14, 2026 at 10:23 PM
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The board is moving forward with exciting proposals, including selling surplus buses, a lucrative digital ad partnership, and crucial Chromebook purchases that could save the district tens of thousands!

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#PA #CitizenPortal #PennsylvaniaSchools #EducationReform #PublicSafety
Board recommends bus sales, digital‑ad partnership, Zonar contract update and Chromebook purchases to full board
At the work session the committee voted to forward a package including bus sale pricing, a proposed 10‑year scoreboard advertising partnership, updated Zonar transportation software procurement, Chromebook purchases for students and staff, and a Ready to Learn grant resolution to the full board.
citizenportal.ai
February 14, 2026 at 9:44 PM
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Chester City Council just approved a staggering $1.55 million in federal funding to transform the Norris Street Trail and Streetscape, sparking excitement for future community connectivity!

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#ChesterDelawareCounty #PA #CitizenPortal #ChesterTrails #CommunityDevelopment
Council approves $1.55M federal reimbursement for Norris Street trail and adopts updated eCollect cost schedule
Chester City Council unanimously approved Resolution 18 authorizing execution of documents to secure $1,550,000 in federal Transportation Alternative funds for the Norris Street Trail and Streetscape project, and Resolution 19 adopting an updated eCollect Plus LLC cost‑of‑collection schedule for delinquent taxes.
citizenportal.ai
February 14, 2026 at 9:40 PM
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A packed town hall meeting in Upper Bern Township erupted with concerns over a proposed ICE facility, leaving commissioners vowing to seek transparency and support for local safety.

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#BerksCounty #PA #CommunityEngagement #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #BerksCountyTownHall
Residents at town hall oppose proposed ICE facility in Upper Bern Township; commissioners pledge to seek more information
A large town hall in Upper Bern Township drew robust opposition to a proposed ICE facility. Commissioners said they will press federal and state partners for information and the county sheriff agreed to provide deputies for public meetings.
citizenportal.ai
February 14, 2026 at 9:30 PM
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East Stroudsburg's school district faces mounting budget shortfalls and urgent capital needs, with deficits projected to exceed $16 million this year alone!

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#PA #CitizenPortal #InfrastructureNeed #PennsylvaniaSchools #FiscalResponsibility
East Stroudsburg outlines large budget shortfalls, debt service and capital needs
Superintendent reported multi-million-dollar deficits (previous year actual deficit ~ $10.2M; current-year projected deficit reduced from ~$26.5M to ~$16M after debt restructuring and additional state revenue) and warned the district's fund balance is being rapidly consumed; board discussed debt-service cliffs and capital projects funding constraints.
citizenportal.ai
February 14, 2026 at 9:28 PM
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The McKeesport Area School District is launching a tax-amnesty program that could give delinquent property owners a chance to wipe the slate clean and help the district collect crucial funds!

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#PA #CivicAccountability #CitizenPortal #FinancialRelief #CommunityOutreach
Board discusses tax-amnesty window, Keystone to notify eligible taxpayers
Trustees discussed a proposed tax-amnesty program running April 1–June 30 that would waive penalties and interest if delinquent taxpayers pay principal; district staff said Keystone will send letters to eligible property owners and trustees referenced a prior program that raised roughly $850,000.
citizenportal.ai
February 14, 2026 at 8:27 PM
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The Saucon Valley School Board has given the green light to "Club America," a new student group promoting freedom-loving values—despite concerns about its potential partisan ties.

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#PA #CitizenPortal #EducationReform #CivicEngagement #YouthEmpowerment #PennsylvaniaStudents
Saucon Valley board approves 'Club America' after debate over partisan ties
The Saucon Valley School Board approved a student club called Club America after students and a presenter described the group's focus on free-market and 'freedom-loving' values; board members pressed for assurances the club remain nonpartisan and follow the district's club application rules.
citizenportal.ai
February 14, 2026 at 7:33 PM
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Superintendent Dr. Patelli unveiled a comprehensive feasibility study outlining five potential paths for the district's future, but emphasized that no decisions are being made just yet.

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#PA #EnrollmentTrends #CitizenPortal #BuildingUtilization #PublicSurvey
East Stroudsburg superintendent outlines RLPS feasibility study, asks board to narrow options
Superintendent Dr. Patelli presented a feasibility study by RLPS that examines building use, enrollment trends and five options for district configuration; she said the board will be asked in March or April to select about two options for further study and emphasized no decisions would be made at the work session.
citizenportal.ai
February 14, 2026 at 7:02 PM
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In a dramatic showdown, the Keystone Central School District Board narrowly passed the contentious 2026-2029 comprehensive plan, igniting fierce debate over its rushed approval process and future implications for education.

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#PA #CommunityInvolvement #CitizenPortal
Keystone Central board approves 2026–29 comprehensive plan after heated debate
After extended debate over last‑minute timing and a required professional‑learning review, the Keystone Central School District board voted to approve the district’s 2026–29 comprehensive plan, with three ayes, one no and one non‑vote; the approval triggers a 28‑day public review required by state regulation.
citizenportal.ai
February 14, 2026 at 6:12 PM
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Chester High's chaotic Coosa intersection is getting a quick-build makeover to enhance safety for students and families—complete with curb bump-outs and a community block party!

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#ChesterDelawareCounty #PA #CommunityEngagement #InfrastructureImprovements #TrafficSafety
County planners propose quick‑build safety changes at Coosa/Chester High intersection
Delaware County presented a quick‑build plan to reconfigure a chaotic six‑leg Coosa intersection near Chester High, installing curb bump‑outs, flexible bollards and paint to slow traffic; a one‑day installation and community block party are planned for April 18, 2026.
citizenportal.ai
February 14, 2026 at 5:44 PM
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The Abington Board of School Directors has just unveiled a staggering $216 million preliminary budget for 2026-27, raising questions about its impact on local taxpayers and the future of the proposed middle school.

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#PA #PublicSchoolReform #CitizenPortal #EducationFunding
Abington board adopts $216 million preliminary budget, authorizes referendum-exception advertisement
The Abington Board of School Directors voted Feb. 10 to adopt a $216,004,564 preliminary general fund budget for 2026–27 and to authorize the administration to advertise for a referendum-exception related to middle-school debt. The budget assumes a 3.5% Act 1 index and includes a projected 33.59% PSERS contribution rate.
citizenportal.ai
February 14, 2026 at 5:18 PM
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Berks County commissioners are setting ambitious goals for 2026, focusing on fiscal responsibility, cutting-edge technology, and expanding regional infrastructure while maintaining a stellar Moody's rating.

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#BerksCounty #PA #CitizenPortal #EconomicDevelopment
Berks County commissioners outline 2025 accomplishments and 2026 priorities
Commissioners reviewed 2025 accomplishments — maintaining Moody's rating, airport progress and budget savings — and set 2026 priorities including fiscal responsibility, AI policy, Reading Regional Airport hangars, passenger rail and regional planning for violent youth detention.
citizenportal.ai
February 14, 2026 at 4:28 PM
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The East Stroudsburg Area School District faces a staggering $34 million budget shortfall, prompting urgent calls for cuts and tough decisions ahead.

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#PA #CitizenPortal #PennsylvaniaBudget #CommunityAccountability #EducationFunding #FiscalResponsibility
East Stroudsburg Area SD hears early budget showing large shortfall; board urged to trim $10M at minimum
At a budget work session, district staff presented an early draft showing general fund expenditures of $227.1 million versus estimated revenues of $192.7 million and flagged a potential multi‑million dollar deficit. Board members discussed reserve use, an early retirement incentive and options including a 5% tax index increase.
citizenportal.ai
February 14, 2026 at 4:03 PM
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The proposed master plan for the former Northwell State Hospital site is set to transform the area with 681 residential units, vibrant retail spaces, and a cutting-edge stormwater management strategy.

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#NorristownMontgomeryCounty #PA #UrbanDevelopment #CitizenPortal
Large Northwell master plan recommended to council after stormwater and phasing review
Project team presented a revised master plan for the former State Hospital site showing 681 residential units (down from 724), retail and industrial/flex space, phased construction, and a stormwater strategy using basins and early discharge; the commission recommended forwarding the plan to council for a conditional‑use hearing.
citizenportal.ai
February 14, 2026 at 1:44 PM
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Blair County just secured a monumental $26.3 million workforce grant that promises to transform job services across six counties!

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#BlairCounty #PA #PublicHealth #CitizenPortal #EconomicDevelopment #CommunitySafety #BlairCountyWorkforce
Blair County commissioners accept $26.3M regional workforce grant, approve mosquito-control and routine contracts
At their Feb. 12 meeting the Blair County Board of Commissioners approved acceptance of a $26.3 million Southern Alleghenies workforce grant for six counties, a $97,906 mosquito-control grant that includes a vehicle purchase, and a series of routine service contracts and office expenditures.
citizenportal.ai
February 14, 2026 at 1:26 PM
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New Freedom Borough Council is taking decisive action to replace failing wastewater treatment equipment, avoiding costly delays and ensuring a timely installation.

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#NewFreedomYorkCounty #PA #InfrastructureImprovement #PublicHealth #CitizenPortal #NewFreedomWastewater
New Freedom council approves treatment-plant equipment purchase and contract change order to avoid additional mobilization costs
Council approved purchasing replacement parts for a failing decanter system and a contract change order for PSI to perform installation while the contractor is on-site, citing long lead times and cost risks if the work is deferred.
citizenportal.ai
February 14, 2026 at 7:39 AM
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Cheltenham's preliminary budget for 2026-27 reveals a staggering $5.8 million gap, raising urgent questions about funding strategies and future tax implications.

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#PA #TaxPolicy #CitizenPortal #PennsylvaniaSchools #EducationFunding
Cheltenham finance committee flags $5.8M preliminary budget gap for 2026–27; options include fund balance, cuts or limited tax increase
Administration presented a preliminary 2026–27 budget projecting a $5.8 million gap driven by a 22% health-insurance spike and lower real-estate assessment revenue; the committee discussed using fund balance, expenditure reductions and constrained tax capacity under Act 1.
citizenportal.ai
February 14, 2026 at 7:14 AM
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Northampton Community College is on the rise, with a proposed $85.5 million budget and a remarkable 20,000 students served annually, but they need Easton Area School District's support to close a gap!

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#PA #CitizenPortal #EnrollmentGrowth #CommunitySupport #PennsylvaniaEducation
Northampton Community College asks Easton Area SD for $1.684 million as enrollment and budget rise
Northampton Community College presented a proposed $85.5 million 2026–27 operating budget and asked Easton Area School District for $1,684,000 in combined operating and capital support, a $92,000 increase from the prior year, while reporting multi-year enrollment gains and a small remaining budget gap.
citizenportal.ai
February 14, 2026 at 4:56 AM
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The East Stroudsburg Area School District is set to revolutionize education with a bold 2026–2029 comprehensive plan focused on enhancing math instruction and prioritizing social-emotional learning.

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#PA #InstructionalImprovement #MathEducation #CitizenPortal
Curriculum committee forwards East Stroudsburg 2026–2029 comprehensive plan to full board
After presentations and discussion of instructional priorities, the curriculum and instruction committee voted to forward the proposed 2026–2029 comprehensive plan — which emphasizes math teacher development (OGAP) and social-emotional learning — to the full East Stroudsburg Area School District board for approval and state submission.
citizenportal.ai
February 14, 2026 at 4:55 AM