At a May 15 meeting of the Council Rock School Board, members and district administrators took time to recognize students and retirees, but it was the school district’s budget and legal expenses that drew the most discussion.
The proposed 2025–2026 budget projects approximately $292 million in expenditures, a 4.5% increase over the previous year. A 2.9% property tax hike, below the 4% state limit, is included to help close the gap, which sparked mixed reactions from board members and the public.
“This budget allows us to improve our educational programs and retain the best teachers for our students,” noted board member Linda Stone during the finance committee report.
She highlighted that the projected $7 million in interest earnings had exceeded expectations and praised the conservative approach taken by the finance department: “We underestimate revenues a little bit and overestimate expenses so we can run a cautious, balanced budget.”
Still, some board members raised concerns about long-term sustainability. Joe Hidalgo questioned the growing use of fund balance and cautioned about external program costs, including the now district-funded “Nights 4 Knowledge” initiative.
For context, this program was originally covered by federal ESSER funds. “We all support it,” Hidalgo said, “but we were here during the pandemic and this is a solution we’re using to try to rectify what happened.”
That program received a $50,000 donation from the Council Rock Education Foundation, helping offset its estimated $150,000 annual cost. “CREF is willing to donate that money to help offset the cost,” said Anthony Rapp, the district’s business administrator. “The majority of our cost in Nights 4 Knowledge is personnel, so any of that grant will go toward that.”
Sharper concerns were raised during the meeting’s public comment portion. Lori Katz, a resident of Northampton Township, questioned both the tax increase and the district’s rising legal costs.
“In 2018, we spent $12,000 per student. By 2023–2024, we spent over $20,000. That’s an $8,000 increase per student, $80 million more overall,” she said. “How did this benefit students when proficiency rates remained flat?”
Katz also criticized the recent engagement of outside law firm Wisler Pearlstine to handle special education cases. “First we were told there were no special education cases. Now we hear there are over 20 active cases,” she said, noting that legal rates had increased significantly.
The board’s solicitor, Peter Amuso, addressed these concerns directly. “We did have it down to zero due process cases at one point. That’s no longer the case. We’re engaging Wisler Pearlstine, but our firm gets no financial benefit from that engagement.”
He clarified that the legal rates for Wisler would match existing rates, including $250/hour for partners and $160/hour for due process matters.
Fran Hower, another resident, asked whether the new law firm would handle all legal matters, including special education, and inquired about the number of cases being transferred.
She also questioned whether the Council Rock Education Foundation places restrictions on how donations, such as those for the Nights 4 Knowledge program, are used. District leaders confirmed that the donations are designated for specific initiatives but did not indicate direct control from the foundation over curriculum or personnel.
Board member Mike Roosevelt, while supporting the innovation grants and donations, called out a procedural concern. “The prize patrols were out delivering giant checks and balloons before the board formally approved the grants. Moving forward, we need to sequence this properly so we don’t put the cart before the horse.”
Roosevelt also raised the concern of donor influence. “I have some reservations with an organization outside of the school board contributing directly toward salaries or curriculum. We need to ensure partnership, not dependency.”
Amidst the budget deliberations, the board also approved several other financial items, including substitute nursing service contracts, the engagement of a behavioral specialist for autistic support programs, and a donation of over $10,000 from Giant supermarkets to the district’s food service program.
While the final vote on the proposed budget was pulled from the meeting’s general consent agenda and tabled for separate consideration, it was clear the board still has more deliberating to do before June’s deadline. The next finance committee meeting is scheduled for June 9.
In addition to the financial and policy discussions, the meeting celebrated the accomplishments of student advisory board members, who performed a heartfelt rendition of Green Day’s “Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)” in their final address.
Superintendent Dr. Andrew Sanko acknowledged the moment: “Thank you for representing your classmates and your school with pride. We wish you all the best as you prepare for graduation.”
Also honored were the district’s 2025 retirees, who together represented 840 years of collective service. “These individuals have shaped the legacy of excellence that defines Council Rock,” Dr. Sanko said.
As the district prepares to close out the 2024-2025 school year, all eyes will be on the board and how the final budget for next school year comes together. The next school board meeting will be Thursday, June 19.
Advertisement
Meet Your Canna Coach: Personalized Guidance, Free for You!
