Several options for lowering the proposed millage increase in a tentative budget passed last month were put forward at South Williamsport Area School board’s most recent meeting, including the possibility of removing a budgeted third district police officer as well as future staffing cuts in light of the board’s decision to shutter Rommelt Elementary School.

“We’ve been hitting the taxpayers pretty hard the last couple of years,” said board vice-president Steve Rupert, who offered several cost cutting scenarios.

The district saved $30,000 through its hiring of a kindergarten teacher with a salary at the bottom of the starting rate, due to her having recently graduated, business manager Jamie Mowrey told the board, while noting that many of the applicants were newly-graduated.

Another possible financial reprieve includes Gov. Josh Shapiro’s push to cap tuition to cyber schools, it was discussed at the meeting.

The board is expected to pass the proposed budget as-is at its May 19 meeting before changes are presented at its June 2 meeting.

Prior to the start of the meeting, Superintendent Dr. Eric Briggs addressed the events of the weekend, in which district third-grader Claue Schreffler-Algofera is feared to have drowned after she was swept away while playing in the Susquehanna River with two other children and her mother in an area west of Front and Winthrop streets on Sunday morning.

“The authorities have been working tirelessly, and their efforts remain ongoing. Our thoughts are first and foremost with our student’s family during this incredibly difficult time,” he said.

“The district is providing support services to our students and staff, and we will continue to do so as we navigate this very challenging time,” Briggs said, adding that the district will continue to share updates provided by authorities while respecting the privacy of the family.

“I am extremely proud of the work that our staff put in today with our students, and want to publicly thank the local school districts and county agencies who also sent support into our schools today, both to embrace and provide support for all of our teaching and support staff administrative team, along with the students,” he added. “Moving forward, it’ll continue to be a challenge for us. We are prepared for that challenge, and should we need additional resources, we have those folks on the standby.”

In financial matters, the board approved a revised proposal from Silvertip Inc. for the replacement of a domestic water heater at the high school in the amount of $50,000; an agreement with Nutrition Inc. to oversee the district’s cafeteria for the 2025-26 school year, with a guaranteed profit of $52,116; several change orders related to the Central Elementary School project ranging from $849 to $34,924, including $337,597 in unused funds; the reappointment of McNerney, Page, Vanderlin & Hall as district solicitor for the upcoming school year at a rate of $195, and $135 for paralegal services.

“I just want to say thank you. It is an honor and privilege to work with volunteer school board members in doing the things that you do for public education,” solicitor Fred Holland said.

In staffing issues, the board acknowledged the resignation of Aaron Green as varsity girls head basketball coach, effective April 30; added Laura Gatch to the list of BLaST IU17 guest teachers for the 2024-25 school year; and approved tenure for Marissa Blaise, who has received six satisfactory evaluations as a district employee.

Other actions taken by the board include the appointment of Cathy Bachman as board treasurer; an agreement with Diversified Treatment Alternative Centers LLC for partial hospitalization of students with complex mental health concerns; and a summer basketball program to run from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. every Wednesday from June 18 to July 23 in the high school gymnasium.

The next board meeting will be at 6 p.m. on Monday, May 19.