Tag Archives: Harrisburg School District

Harrisburg School District breaks ground on Steele School renovation, reopening

May 11, 2023 | by Maddie Gittens

Harrisburg School District officials ceremonially broke ground on the Steele Elementary School project.

Harrisburg is one step closer to reopening a “state-of-the-art” school for students.

On Wednesday, Harrisburg School District officials ceremonially broke ground on the renovation of Steele Elementary School, which they plan to reopen for the 2024-25 school year.

“It feels good to get to a place where you can finally see things coming to fruition,” said Superintendent Eric Turman. “What I want the community to do at this point in time is to get excited about what this is going to look like.”

Steele School, built in the 1930s, closed in 2011 and has since sat vacant on the 2500-block of N. 5^th St. In September, district Receiver Dr. Lori Suski approved a $21.6 million revitalization project and the reopening of the school, at a board meeting.

According to Turman, the district’s decision in April 2022 to move fifth-grade students from the middle schools back to the elementary school level made classrooms fuller, while many of its buildings were already near capacity.

The reopening of Steele would help solve that capacity issue, while also providing a neighborhood school in the Uptown community. Turman noted that many children currently have to walk a far distance to get to Ben Franklin Elementary School.

Steele School will have classrooms for kindergarten through fifth grade.

Steele Elementary School is currently undergoing renovations to reopen for the 2024-25 school year.

The building, which is about 68,000 square feet, has been largely gutted inside for renovations, and the exterior will receive new windows, doors and a deep clean, according to district director of operations Craig Glass.

An addition will also be constructed onto the rear of the building to house a new cafeteria and classrooms. A new playground and basketball court will be constructed as well.

The project is being funded through Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) funds that the district received during the pandemic.

Crabtree, Rohrbaugh & Associates is serving as the architect and Fidevia Construction Management & Consulting is the contractor for the project.

“They [the students] are going to walk in here over time, and they’re going to see a school like no other,” Turman said. “This will be a model that, hopefully, over time we can look at how can we create these types of facilities for our children, because this is what they deserve.”

Steele Elementary School is located at 2537 N. 5^th St., Harrisburg. For more information, visit the Harrisburg School District’s website.

If you like what we do, please support our work. Become a Friend of TheBurg!

May News Digest

April 27, 2023 | by Lawrance Binda and Maddie Gittens

Harrisburg Registers Fewer “Stuck Trucks”

Harrisburg may have found a way to curb its stuck truck problem.

Last month, city officials explained that, since they installed new signage along N. Front Street last summer, the number of trucks ending up wedged under the railroad bridge has significantly decreased.

In August 2022, city Communications Director Matt Maisel reported that trucks getting stuck under the bridge had become a near daily occurrence. To address the issue, the city and PennDOT hung two new signs at N. Front and Chestnut streets warning vehicles over 12-feet, 6-inches tall that traveling any further is prohibited.

According to Harrisburg Project Manager Percy Bullock, the signs seem to have succeeded in reducing the problem.

“I’ve gotten a whole lot less calls,” he said.

Over the fall and winter, calls to the police about stuck trucks decreased. For the month after the signs were posted, from the end of July 26 to Aug. 25, 23 calls about trucks were received. The following month, that number dropped to 19, and the next month it dropped to 10. The next two months, the number would rise slightly, jumping to 17 in December. But January only counted six and both February and March, only five each.

The signs themselves may have contributed to that decline, but the added ability to fine drivers who ignore them may have played a role as well, explained Chris Flad, PennDOT District 8 traffic engineer.

In the transportation world, different signs mean different things, and, according to Flad, the new signs give the city greater legal standing to fine drivers. And for the past several months, Harrisburg police have regularly handed out those fines to drivers who decide to take their chances with the bridge. Under state law, drivers can be fined up to $500.

Ultimately, it’s going to take time to see if the signs have made a lasting difference or if the dip in sticky situations is just an anomaly, Flad said.

“You’ve got to give it time to see if it’s truly working or not,” he said.

Both Bullock and Flad agreed that the issue has created a huge headache for the city and drivers over the years. Each call can require a handful of police officers, along with traffic personnel, to respond, Bullock said. The situations also often force the city to shut down at least two lanes of traffic.

If the signs don’t do enough to decrease the issue long term, PennDOT has “a couple of other tricks up our sleeves,” Flad said.

PennDOT is currently considering placing a sign at the end of the Market Street Bridge, warning drivers not to turn right, towards the railroad bridge, Flad said. That sign would be installed in the coming months.

School District Outlines Budget Plan

The Harrisburg School District has started crafting its spending plan for the upcoming year.

At a school board meeting last month, district officials presented a preliminary 2023-24 balanced budget of $216.5 million.

The proposal does not include a property tax increase.

The proposed spending plan would be a decrease from the current year’s budget of $227.4 million, as federal Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) funding used in last year’s budget comes to an end, according to Dr. Marcia Stokes, chief financial officer for the district.

The budget would include funding for new pre-K classrooms, which the district plans to start, dependent on receiving Pennsylvania Department of Education Pre-K Counts grant funding.

Stokes also noted the potential elimination of certain vacant job positions within the budget and the addition of positions, such as increasing the number of ESL teachers, school psychologists, special education staff and career counselors.

In total, the budget proposes spending $58 million, the largest allocation, on salaries, and another $41 million on staff benefits. About $29 million would fund purchased property services, which includes money for the renovation project at Steele Elementary School, which is slated to reopen in August 2024. Another $38.6 million would support other purchased services, which includes funds the district pays to area charter schools.

Stokes explained that the budget is still in its early stages and may change, as collective bargaining agreements with unions are finalized and state funding is announced.

District Receiver Dr. Lori Suski is expected to act on the proposed budget on May 23 and on the final budget on June 27.

Harrisburg Ponders Short-Term Rentals

It’s been over six years since Airbnb rentals started popping up in Harrisburg, but city officials are still pondering what to do about them.

At a recent special session, City Council weighed possible options for regulating, registering and taxing short-term rentals, such as Airbnb.

According to Michael Hughes, Harrisburg’s tax and enforcement administrator, this type of rental currently falls in a “gray, unregulated area” within city code. Because of that, not all rentals pay hotel taxes, sales and mercantile taxes or are officially registered within the city, all standard practices for traditional B&Bs.

The city also hopes to address concerns from residents about certain short-term rentals causing noise, parking and traffic issues, as well as building code violations.

In 2017, Harrisburg held its first meeting on the topic, attracting a full house of local residents who voiced support for and against Airbnbs. However, no new legislation came forth. Now, officials are again considering how to move forward.

“The most important thing to start with is for the council and the mayor to have a clear objective of what they’re trying to accomplish,” said Neil Grover, city solicitor. “Because there are lots of ways to do this.”

As the city weighs a decision, short-term rentals in Harrisburg have only continued to increase.

Currently, there are about 256 short-term rental units operating in the city. That number grew by 33% from last year’s number and is expected to continue to tick up at the same rate, according to research done by Granicus, a software company serving as a consultant to the city.

During the meeting, officials brainstormed options like limiting Airbnbs to certain city zones or geographic locations or requiring that they be owner-occupied. Other options, such as requiring registration with the city, charging permitting fees or mandating yearly inspections, also were discussed.

Council President Danielle Bowers said that the next step will be to establish a task force to develop a plan moving forward.

HACC Approves Budget, Tuition Hike

HACC officials last month approved a spending plan for the coming academic year.

The college adopted a $116 million budget for the 2023-24 school year, which includes a tuition increase, but no layoffs or furloughs.

“This budget reflects careful consideration of a projected decline of 8% in HACC’s enrollment, the growing national dialogue questioning the value of a college education, and the impact inflation will have on college operations,” said HACC President and CEO John Sygielski, in a statement.

For the next academic year, HACC will hike tuition by 5% for non-sponsored, sponsored and “College in the High School” students. Out-of-state tuition will increase to $325 per student per credit and dual enrollment tuition will increase to $175 per credit. There will be no increase in other college fees.

As a majority of HACC students are non-sponsored, part-time students, tuition will increase by about $11.75 per credit for the average student, according to HACC.

Also as part of the budget, the college will employ several cost-saving measures to offset a projected $400,000 deficit. For instance, HACC will offer retirement incentives to full-time employees who meet the requirements. Currently, over 200 staff members would be eligible, which could possibly save the college up to $5 million.

HACC also plans to freeze or eliminate 23 open positions, reduce overtime and consolidate courses with low enrollment, according to the college.

Homes Sales Down, Prices Up

Home sales fell but prices inched higher in the latest report on previously owned houses in the Harrisburg area.

For the three-county region, March sales totaled 454 houses compared to 576 in March 2022, while the median sales price rose to $246,500 from 238,900, according to the Greater Harrisburg Association of Realtors (GHAR).

In Dauphin County, 227 homes sold, a decline from 309 in the year-ago period, as the median price increased to $222,500 from $205,750, GHAR said.

Cumberland County had 192 home sales versus 245 the prior March, and the median sales price rose slightly to $287,450 from $280,000 last year, according to GHAR.

In Perry County, 35 homes sold, an increase of 12 compared to last year, as the median price increased to $230,000 versus $216,000 in March 2022, stated GHAR.

The pace of sales slowed, as GHAR reported that “average days on market” totaled 33 days, compared to 23 days in the year-ago period.

So Noted

Dr. Bennett Chotiner has been awarded Harrisburg University’s 2023 Impact Award, which was presented last month at HU’s annual gala. The Impact Award honors people who have made invaluable contributions to the building and establishment of the university.

Hamilton Health Center has broken ground on a planned facility in Steelton, its fourth satellite location in the area. The 20,000-square-foot healthcare facility is part of a 102,000-square-foot, mixed-use development called The Steel Works Revitalization, developed by Wormleysburg-based Integrated Development Partners.

Harrisburg University and UPMC last month announced a 10-year partnership that includes naming HU’s new academic building, the “UPMC Health Sciences Tower at Harrisburg University.” The 12-story building, slated to open this fall at S. 3rd and Chestnut streets, will house the UPMC Shadyside School of Nursing, in addition to several HU programs and services.

Jessica Knapp will assume the role of state president and CEO of Communities in Schools of Pennsylvania on July 1, succeeding Jenna Lewis, who served the organization for six years. CISPA serves 24 schools across 11 school districts, supporting students and empowering them to stay in school.

Susquecycle has returned for the season, offering rental bikes at six locations in downtown, Midtown and City Island in Harrisburg. The organizer, Tri-County Regional Planning Commission, hopes to expand the program, now in its second year, to more locations in Harrisburg and into the suburbs.

Sylvia H. Rambo U.S. Courthouse officially opened last month, capping a decades-long effort to relocate the courthouse from downtown Harrisburg’s federal building. The 243,000-square-foot building serves as the new location of the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, the Pennsylvania 3rd Circuit Court, U.S. Courts, U.S. Marshal Service, U.S. Attorneys, U.S. Trustees, Homeland Security and Federal Public Defender.

The LAN Center opened last month in downtown Harrisburg, offering a place for state-of-the-art e-sports gaming. The 2,000-square-foot space, located at 19 S. 3rd St., is home to the Soniqs, a professional e-sports team, and is also available for clubs and groups.

Zeroday Brewing Co. last month debuted its new restaurant at its flagship taproom at 925 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg. It took over from La Catrina, which had operated the food portion of the house since the space opened two years ago. Zeroday also changed the cuisine from a Mexican-themed menu to one focused on American fare, such as salads, sandwiches and “mac & cheese options.”

Changing Hands

Bailey St., 1216: D. Boyle to D. Peroza, $40,000

Bailey St., 1220: C. Johnson to Builders Property Management & Marketing Group LLC, $60,000

Balm St., 23: Northeast Investors Alliance LLC to D. Fernandez & H. Valverde, $68,000

Bartine St., 1323: J. Herr to R. Harris, $114,900

Berryhill St., 1307: Anpat LLC to TKO Rental LLC, $63,000

Berryhill St., 1507: Top Shelf Solutions LLC to M. Vazquez, $59,900

Camp St., 533: Integrity First Home Buyers LLC to MHG PA1 LLC, $159,995

Derry St., 1216: S. Ledgister to J. & B. Ortiz, $125,000

Derry St., 1927 & 1929: S. Fang to T. Webb, $174,000

Derry St., 2341: M&D Express LLC to S. Johnson, $159,000

Emerald St., 313: M&T Bank to G&W Rentals LLC, $64,900

Forster St., 1835: C. Woods to C. Banks & E. Ingrassia, $106,000

Girard St., 740: O. Caban to M. Woodard, $160,000

Green St., 1619: G. Hoffner to Saint Adam Property Management LLC, $235,000

Green St., 1710: B. & B. Hinnenkamp to P. & S. Wright, $255,000

Green St., 1836: WCI Partners LP to Little Amps Coffee LLC, $275,000

Green St., 2017, 2019; 2001, 2003, 2005, 2007, 2009 Penn St.; 1922, 1924, 1926 N. 3rd St.; 1923 Susquehanna St.: WCI Partners LP to Harrisburg Redevelopment Group LLC, $777,000

Green St., 2122: KMM Development LLC to S. Laroc, $130,000

Green St., 2136: Great Row LLC to J. Yingling, $77,500

Green St., 2810: Christian Insight Ministry to T. & Alvise Banks, $110,000

Green St., 3101: T. & L. Reese to M. Biboso, $272,100

Hamilton St., 428: M. & S. Imler to M. Dagan, $73,500

Harris St., 202: L. Craig to I. Sloan, $178,000

Herr St., 1849: Ultra Renovations & Investments Inc. to F. Payano & F. Almonte, $55,000

Jefferson St., 2261: A. Williams to SNB Real Estate Solutions LLC, $59,995

Lexington St., 2625: Bridger Investments LLC to E. Rivera, $133,000

Logan St., 2242: RRMMM Real Estate LLC to D. Boyle, $52,000

Muench St., 412: Integrity First Home Buyers LLC to R. Cange, $145,000

Naudain St., 1604: Paxton Properties LLC to C. Perez, $55,000

N. 2nd St., 928: D. Galluci to R. & S. Katsifis, $60,000

N. 2nd St., 2007: P. & L. Klemunes to A&W Homes LLC, $150,000

N. 2nd St., 3012: J. McLaughlin to D. Yount & N. Holt, $215,000

N. 3rd St., 1606: J. Merrill & D. Wilburne to A. Matarazzi & C. McClelland, $282,500

N. 3rd St., 1912: N. Peterson to E. Monteros & T. Peszynski, $93,000

N. 3rd St., 2028: Youth Advocate Program Inc. to SJL Rentals LLC, $175,000

N. 3rd St., 2451: F. Clark to Safe Hands Real Estate Ltd., $205,000

N. 4th St., 2609: D. Markel to S. Rector, $120,000

N. 4th St., 3010: Eruv Development 1 LLC to J. Jah, $200,000

N. 4th St., 3013: D&A Homes LLC to J. Filpo & Y. Bartolo, $140,000

N. 5th St., 1618: J. Blackburn to A&W Homes LLC, $125,000

N. 5th St., 2411: Stoute Housing Inc. to J. Cabrera, $150,000

N. 6th St., 2231: Elevation Properties LLC to TKO Property Holdings LLC, $91,000

N. 6th St., 3103: J. & S. Santana to K. Malinoski, $152,000

N. 15th St., 1435: S. Sary to N. Gutkovskaya, $116,000

N. 15th St., 1607: N. Lewis & I. Davenport to E. Davenport, $50,000

N. 18th St., 33: D. Boyle to M. Paulino, $45,000

N. 18th St., 67: Eden Bridge Foundation Inc. to D. Boyle, $62,500

N. 18th St., 806: J. Johnson to E. & E. Ramirez, $65,000

Paxton St., 1717: B. Do to B. & V. Doan, $80,000

Penn St., 1606: J. Simpson to D. Hoffman, $110,000

Penn St., 1615: B. Waltz to L. & M. Collett, $197,000

Penn St., 2151: R. Estrella to Equitable Rentals LLC, $67,000

Penn St., 2153: R. Rammouni to Equitable Rentals LLC, $66,000

Radnor St., 102: DelGiorno Investments LLC to Angdupe2011 LLC, $155,000

Reel St., 2746: R. & L. Goldberg to EJB Rentals LLC, $47,500

Regina St., 1414: JP Investment Holding LLC to 717 Apartments LLC, $302,000

Regina St., 1827: D. Boyle to M. Perez, $55,000

Reservoir St., 72: Gilligan Realty LLC to Horizon Trust FBO Kathy L. Watson 401K, $63,000

Rolleston St., 1249: Paul Winka Trust to F. Ashennafi $105,000

Rudy Rd., 2454: J. Howard to L. & K. Grant, $100,000

Rumson Dr., 330: G. Di Bosco to K. Weldeghebrial, $127,500

Showers St., 622: M. Garland to J. Ellis & Waterstone Mortgage Corp., $133,900

S. 12th St., 1443: L. & A. Prather to F. Hills & S. Colon, $110,000

S. 17th St., 37, 39 & 41: R2 Property Group LLC to T. Howard, $88,000

S. 20th St., 624: M. Ortiz to S. Gardner, $111,500

S. 25th St., 707: R. Richardson to L. & J. Soto, $142,000

S. 26th St., 708: P. Negron to T. Mercedes, $145,000

S. Front t., 625: J. Chumley to K. Romero, $170,000

State St., 200: 200 State Street LLC to Capitol View LLC, $300,000

State St., 227: Vinculum Inc. to Sierra Real Estate LLC, $330,000

State St., 231, Unit 301: D. Scott to J. Fernandez, $203,000

State St., 231, Unit 603: Kreit Group LLC to Lefkas Odyssey Corp., $175,000

State St., 1520: G. Zehr to A. Antonio, $80,000

Vernon St., 1348: G. Vargas to D. Boyle, $55,000

Vernon St., 1354: SU Hogar LLC to Urban Lighthouse Ministries, $95,000

Waldo St., 2610: D. Boyle to L. Bonilla, $58,000

Zarker St., 1833: M. Galvez to M. Pabana, $53,000

Zarker St., 1949: M. & D. Goldberg to B. Oliver, $69,500

Harrisburg property sales, March 2023, greater than $40,000. Source: Dauphin County. Data is assumed to be accurate.

If you like what we do, please support our work. Become a Friend of TheBurg!

The Week that Was: News and features around Harrisburg

April 14, 2023 | by Lawrance Binda and Maddie Gittens

Harrisburg community members commented on the city’s proposed use of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds at a City Council town hall meeting.

Loving the sunny weather this week in Harrisburg? So are we! To add to the brightness in your day, open a copy of the April issue of our magazine, which highlights positive stories around the community. First, catch up on this week’s news, below.

Allison Hill may soon have a new park, as Harrisburg activist Char Magaro has plans to transform a vacant lot at S. 15^th and Swatara streets into a green space, our story reported. Magaro will hold a public meeting for residents to share input on the proposal on Saturday at the site.

Art Blogger Bob takes a look at this year’s “Art in the Wild” outdoor installation at Wildwood Park and highlights the upcoming New Cumberland Earth and Arts Festival.

The federal courthouse on N. 6^th Street in Harrisburg is slated to open to the public on Monday after decades of planning and years of construction, our online story reported. The building will serve as the new location of the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania.

Harrisburg residents weighed in on the city’s proposal to use about $28.1 million in federal American Rescue Plan money, our online story reported. Some community members expressed support for the proposal, while others made suggestions for changes.

The Harrisburg School District announced its preliminary 2023-24 budget this week, our online story reported. The proposed $216.5 million budget does not include a property tax increase.

Hershey Art Gallery and Studio will hold its grand opening this weekend. In his magazine column, arts writer Bob talks about the owner and artist behind the new gallery and the classes the studio will offer.

Home sales in March fell this year in Harrisburg, but prices inched higher, our online story reported. For the three-county region, March sales totaled 454 houses compared to 576 in March 2022, while the median sales price rose to $246,500 from $238,900.

Judge Sylvia Rambo has achieved a lifetime of career successes, our magazine story reported. Rambo’s name now tops the new federal courthouse in Harrisburg, as she is the first woman in the commonwealth to have a federal courthouse named after her.

Rosemary shows readers how to make a perfectly cooked monkfish, also known as “poor man’s lobster.” The recipe is easy enough for anyone to try and to judge for themselves if it really tastes like lobster.

Sara Bozich has a full lineup of weekend events around Harrisburg. Find them, here.

Spotted Tongue Woodworking was born two years ago from owner Greg Johnson’s skill at creating one-of-a-kind pieces, our magazine story reported. Johnson offers handcrafted, fine furniture and custom cabinets.

Trucks may still be getting stuck under the N. Front Street railroad bridge in Harrisburg, but the number has significantly decreased over the past several months, our reporting found. City and PennDOT officials attribute the drop to signage added to the road last August.

Zeroday Brewing Co. announced that it has taken ownership of the restaurant inside its flagship taproom in Harrisburg, our online story reported. Veering from the restaurant’s former Mexican offerings, Zeroday serves salads, mac & cheese and sandwiches, among other American-style fare.

Do you receive TheBurg Daily, our daily digest of news and events delivered right to your email inbox? If not, sign up here!

Support quality local journalism. Join Friends of TheBurg today!

Harrisburg School District shares preliminary 2023-24 budget, no tax increase proposed

April 13, 2023 | by Maddie Gittens

Harrisburg School District Lincoln Administration Building

The Harrisburg School District has started crafting its spending plan for the upcoming year.

At a school board meeting this week, district officials presented a preliminary 2023-24 balanced budget of $216.5 million.

The proposal does not include a property tax increase.

The budget would include funding for new pre-K classrooms, which the district plans to start, dependent on receiving Pennsylvania Department of Education Pre-K Counts grant funding.

Stokes explained that the budget is still in its early stages and may change over the coming weeks, as collective bargaining agreements with unions are finalized and state funding is announced.

District Receiver Dr. Lori Suski is expected to act on the proposed final budget on May 23 and on the final budget on June 27.

For more information, visit the Harrisburg School District’s website.

If you like what we do, please support our work. Become a Friend of TheBurg!

Harrisburg city and school district to host job fair, networking event

March 23, 2023 | by Maddie Gittens

Harrisburg School District’s Lincoln Administration Building

Harrisburg residents seeking employment will soon have a chance to network with business owners, local professionals and city officials.

The city, in partnership with the Harrisburg School District, will host a Contractor, Vendor and Employment Resource Fair on Saturday, March 25, at the district’s Lincoln Administration Building on State Street.

“The city of Harrisburg is open for business, whether that’s on Main Street or in city hall,” said Mayor Wanda Williams. “If we’re going to promote working in or for the city, then we need to have the resources available for anyone who wants to take part in what we’re building. I’m thrilled to partner with the Harrisburg School District to ensure anyone who wants to work here has that ability.”

The fair, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., will give businesses and people seeking employment the chance to meet with business and hiring professionals and officials from both the city and school district. Human resources staff will be present to give guidance on the application process.

Contractors, vendors and suppliers also can engage with administrators to learn more about the procurement process.

Spanish translation support will be available.

“The Harrisburg School District is excited to welcome talented, qualified contractors and vendors, including local, minority and women-owned entrepreneurs,” said district Superintendent Eric Turman. “We are looking forward to strengthening our collaboration with the city of Harrisburg, so that together, we can create innovative partnerships that will benefit and support our diverse school community and city.”

The Harrisburg School District’s Lincoln Administration Building is located at 1601 State St., Harrisburg. For more information, click here.

If you like what we do, please support our work. Become a Friend of TheBurg!

The Week that Was: News and features around Harrisburg

February 24, 2023 | by Lawrance Binda and Maddie Gittens

The Dauphin County Commissioners approved the allocation of annual gaming grants this week.

It’s the weekend, which means it’s the perfect time to explore Harrisburg. Try a new restaurant, catch a movie at Midtown Cinema or stop by the Broad Street Market and try something new! Grab a copy of the magazine while you’re out and catch up on our daily news coverage, below.

Dauphin County announced the recipients of its annual gaming grants, our online story reported. Over 150 businesses and nonprofits were awarded from the county’s $8.3 million share of revenue from Hollywood Casino at Penn National.

The Dauphin County housing authority will hold a community meeting on March 15 to encourage landlords to accept housing choice vouchers, our online story reported. According to authority officials, there is an affordable housing shortage locally.

Down to Earth Café recently opened in Legacy Park in Mechanicsburg, our magazine story reported. Owner Alex Rojohn offers sustainably sourced coffee and strives to create a welcoming atmosphere.

The Federal Building in downtown Harrisburg has sold again, for the second time in a year, our reporting found. An out-of-town buyer has purchased the property, but it is unclear what plans they have for it.

The Harrisburg School District is in search of someone to take over operations of their Joshua Farm property, our online story reported. In the past, outside organizations have managed the farm, providing educational experiences for district students.

Harrisburg University Presents announced two bands that will perform in Riverfront Park as part of its 2023 Summer Concert Series, our online story reported. Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit will take the stage on July 26 and The Head and The Heart will perform on Aug. 26.

Jonathan Diggs Duke has become a regular performer around Harrisburg, our magazine story reported. The jazz musician is often found playing his trumpet outside the Broad Street market or in other local venues.

Kappa Omega, the Harrisburg chapter of the national Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, celebrated its 100^th anniversary in January, our magazine story reported. For decades, the men have made an impact on the city through their careers, service and mentorship.

Long-haul COVID-19 is affecting the lives of people locally and across the country who continue to have lingering health issues years after contracting the virus. In our magazine story, read about what patients are dealing with and how physicians are treating them, while learning along the way.

Sara Bozich has a lot of fun events lined up for the weekend in the Harrisburg area. Find a show, concert or place to eat, here.

Do you receive TheBurg Daily, our daily digest of news and events delivered right to your email inbox? If not, sign up here!

Support quality local journalism. Join Friends of TheBurg today!

Harrisburg School District in search of group to operate Joshua Farm, provide educational programming

February 17, 2023 | by Maddie Gittens

Joshua Farm. File photo.

The Harrisburg School District is searching for someone ready to plant educational seeds, as well as literal ones.

On Wednesday, the district issued a request for proposals (RFP) for the operation of its Joshua Farm property, which has historically been used to benefit students and community members.

For years, the farm, located at 213 S. 18^th St., was operated by a Harrisburg nonprofit, Joshua Group, before they ended their involvement in May 2022. Starting in 2007, the organization oversaw operations at the farm, teaching Harrisburg students about agriculture and nutrition. They also regularly sold produce at a stand in Strawberry Square.

However, during the pandemic, the program was put on hold, and, in 2022, the nonprofit decided to focus more heavily on academics to address student learning loss from the pandemic, said Executive Director Jeannetta Politis. They then turned management of the property back over to the district. Shortly after, Harrisburg-based Wildheart Ministries leased and operated the property.

The district’s RFP states that it is again looking for persons or entities to lease the property and provide daily management and oversight of the farm. The document also stated that the district’s goal is “to restore community pride in the farm and for the farm to be viewed as an asset to the community.”

Superintendent Eric Turman was not available to comment on the district’s plans for the farm.

Proposals are due to the district by March 2 at 3 p.m.

The initial term for the selected operator of the farm will be for 26 months with an annual one-year renewal option, the RFP states. The term would begin on April 1.

For more information, visit the Harrisburg School District’s website.

If you like what we do, please support our work. Become a Friend of TheBurg!

The Week that Was: News and features around Harrisburg

February 10, 2023 | by Lawrance Binda and Maddie Gittens

A Harrisburg City Council meeting on Tuesday.

Love is in the air as we get closer to Valentine’s Day. Show some love for your favorite community publication and become a Friend of TheBurg or pick up some of our Burg Gear for your sweetheart. In the meantime, catch up on this week’s news, below.

Affordable housing may be coming to Uptown Harrisburg as the Planning Commission heard two new proposals last week, our online story reported. One of the projects, JMB Gardens, would include 41 affordable apartment units on the 2200- and 2300-blocks of N. 6^th St.

Bob’s Art Blog explores the unique art of a fabric collage creator, a rug hooker, a scrimshander and an assemblage architect. Read about the artists and see their work, here.

TheBurg Podcast focuses on health in Harrisburg. Hear from a fitness trainer, a running shoe store owner and the director of a therapeutic ice skating program, here. And our editor, of course, offers his two cents with his monthly “The Most Harrisburg Thing.”

Dauphin County Prison hired two new top officials as part of its reform efforts, our online story reported. John Bey will serve as the director of criminal justice and Kevin Myers will take the role of internal affairs investigator.

F.L.Y. Fitness helps local women feel confident and lead healthy lifestyles, our magazine story reported. Owner Jelissa Gilmore opened the gym with the goal of creating an empowering atmosphere for women to exercise.

A former encampment under the Mulberry Street Bridge has cleared out after Harrisburg evicted those living at the site. This week, the city finished installing a fence around the area to keep people out while they work to exterminate a rat infestation, our online story reported.

In Harrisburg, 2023 seems hazier than usual, with several significant matters still up in the air, according to our publisher. He hopes to see these issues develop and give us greater clarity by the end of the year.

Harrisburg City Council discussed the allocation and possible recipients of annual federal funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, our online story reported. Council heard from over 20 applicants hoping to receive funds to support their homelessness prevention and social service agencies.

The Harrisburg School District plans to sell its property at 1001 N. 18^th St., formerly the site of the Woodward School, to Harrisburg developer George Fernandez, our reporting found. Fernandez has proposed building affordable housing, a community center, daycare and food and clothing banks.

Home sales dropped but prices jumped in January in the Harrisburg area, our online story reported. In the three-county region, 389 homes sold last month, compared to 499 in January 2022, but the median sales price rose to $245,000 from $211,900 the prior year.

Two running shoe stores recently expanded, opening new stores in the Harrisburg area. In our magazine story, find out how owners of Fleet Feet Mechanicsburg and Appalachian Running Company have capitalized on the growing running community.

Sara Bozich has her Weekend Roundup with lots of activities happening around Harrisburg. Click here to find them.

U.S. Sen. John Fetterman announced that he has taken office space inside Strawberry Square, our reporting found. His Harrisburg-based regional office will be on the fourth floor of the Lerner Tower.

Do you receive TheBurg Daily, our daily digest of news and events delivered right to your email inbox? If not, sign up here!

Support quality local journalism. Join Friends of TheBurg today!

Harrisburg School Board elects president, vice president for the new year

December 7, 2022 | by Maddie Gittens

A previous Harrisburg School Board meeting (file photo)

The Harrisburg School District Board of Directors on Tuesday voted to maintain its current president, while electing a new second-in-command for the new year.

At an annual reorganization meeting, school board members voted to re-appoint board President Brian Carter, who also served in the position in 2022, and to appoint Roslyn Copeland as vice president.

Copeland, who was elected for a four-year term school board position in 2021, replaces Steven Williams as vice president.

As the district remains under state receivership, board members lack the power to vote at board meetings. Receiver Dr. Lori Suski has the sole vote on all agenda items brought before the board.

However, board members participate in monthly meetings by asking questions and talking about agenda items during roundtable discussions. Directors are also appointed by Suski to the Dauphin County Technical School Joint Operating Committee and Act 141 Recovery Plan Advisory Committee and serve as Pennsylvania School Boards Association liaisons and HACC delegates.

For more information about the Harrisburg School District Board of Directors, visit their website.

If you like what we do, please support our work. Become a Friend of TheBurg!

Harrisburg School District in search of community mentors to support students

November 22, 2022 | by Maddie Gittens

Harrisburg School District Superintendent Eric Turman speaks at an informational session in the district’s Lincoln Administration building.

The Harrisburg School District is trying something new to get community members involved in supporting students.

At an informational meeting on Tuesday morning, district Superintendent Eric Turman presented a new mentorship program to connect students with one-on-one assistance.

“The need for mentoring in Harrisburg is a great need,” Turman said. “We are going to look to provide a network of mentors who are willing to step up to the plate.”

The program comes in partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Capital Region and the LivingWell Institute, which provides student support services to the district.

At the meeting, Turman showed incident, suspension and academic data, explaining the mentorship program as a way to address some of the rising issues in these categories.

Big Brothers Big Sisters has seen mentorship relationships improve students’ attendance, academics and behavior among other things, according to communications and marketing manager Krystina Shultz. The key is addressing individual needs based on each student, she said.

While the district has the capacity to support 500 mentors, their goal for this coming year is for 100 mentors to sign up for the program. Mentors will be matched with students in grades three through 10.

Turman encouraged interested community members to reach out to the district as they hope to begin the program in January. Once the district gathers a team of mentors, it will hold another, more in-depth, informational meeting. Big Brothers Big Sisters will also meet with mentors and provide training and support.

As of now, the district is asking mentors to dedicate around five hours a month to meet with their student during school hours and possibly through after-school programming. They also ask that mentors commit to at least one year in the program.

Big Brothers Big Sisters noted that they have bilingual staff members who can provide training and support to non-English speakers.

Experience mentoring isn’t necessary and volunteers don’t need to have “fancy” credentials or professionals, according to Big Brothers Big Sisters.

“Anyone who is willing to spend time and commit to being with the child—that’s the biggest thing,” Shultz said. “Sometimes just being there and listening is all a child is looking for.”

Students can be referred to the mentorship program by teachers, counselors, parents or other adults, according to Turman.

Additionally, the district will hold another informational session about the mentorship program on Tuesday, Nov. 22 at 6 p.m. at the Lincoln Administration Building or on Zoom.

The program is just one of several new initiatives that the district has introduced to address a recent uptick in violent incidents in its schools.

“It’s incumbent upon all of us to work collaboratively in order to be part of the solution,” he said. “We need your help.”

For those interested in being a mentor or receiving more information, email [email protected]. To learn more, visit the district website.

If you like what we do, please support our work. Become a Friend of TheBurg!

You May Also Like

You May Also Like

You May Also Like

You May Also Like

You May Also Like

You May Also Like

You May Also Like

You May Also Like

You May Also Like

You May Also Like