Harrisburg School District Lincoln Administration Building
The Harrisburg School has adjusted its budget to reflect recently announced state funding allocations.
At a school board meeting on Tuesday, district receiver Dr. Lori Suski approved an amended 2023-24 budget of $222.8 million.
The amended budget is about $4 million more than the initially approved spending plan of $218.5 million. The revised budget incorporates revenue that the district will receive from basic education and special education funding from the commonwealth.
When Suski originally approved the budget in June, the state had not yet passed its 2023-24 budget, which includes education funding, forcing district officials to estimate the amount they’d be receiving. Gov. Josh Shapiro signed the commonwealth’s budget on Aug. 3.
The additional funds in the budget will support consulting services, contracting, technology upgrades, and building maintenance, among other items.
Also on Tuesday, Suski approved the hiring of several new principals at district schools.
Laquan Magruder will serve as the new principal of Harrisburg High School-John Harris Campus, effective on Aug. 1, at a salary of $120,152. Magruder replaces the previous principal, Michelle Felton, who transferred to the role of supervisor of professional development for the district in July.
Additionally, Suski approved James Snyder as the new principal of Ben Franklin Elementary School at a salary of $114,812, effective Aug. 7.
Also, Jason Rawls will serve as the new principal of Scott Elementary School at a salary of $115,000, as approved by Suski. Rawls’ start date will be effective upon release from his current employer.
In other news, Suski approved a plan for the district to partner with Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Capital Region, L.O.O.P BOYZ AND GIRLZ and the Boys & Girls Club of Harrisburg to provide after-school programming for district students. In February, Suski approved a 2023-24 academic calendar that includes two-hour early dismissals on every Wednesday of the school year, explaining that it would allow time for professional development for staff. According to district officials, the partnerships with the local organizations will help provide care for students on the early dismissal days.
At the board meeting, Suski also shared that district officials will make a presentation at the Sept. 12 board meeting on the district’s decision to demolish the long-vacant William Penn High School building. At that meeting, officials will share information on the history of the building, why the district is demolishing it, and how the history of the building can be preserved.
Suski encouraged concerned residents to attend the meeting, ask questions and share comments.
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