Tag Archives: Harrisburg School District

Harrisburg School District outlines plan for federal relief funds, may reopen William Penn, Steele Elementary schools

December 15, 2021 | by Maddie Gittens

William Penn High School

The Harrisburg School District has announced a plan with big implications, potentially reopening two of its former buildings and restructuring its classrooms.

During a virtual informational session on Tuesday, Superintendent Eric Turman introduced a four-year plan to help the district recover in the wake of the pandemic and to grow.

“We want to be as transparent as possible so that everybody knows what the potential plan can be and everybody knows where we are taking this,” Turman said.

A substantial aspect of Turman’s plan would include rehabbing the former William Penn High School, near Italian Lake, which has sat vacant and deteriorating for years.

While the district has considered selling the building over the years, with several local developers and organizations offering bids, Turman explained a new plan to transform the building. Under his plan, it would become a magnet school for 6th- to 8th-grade students in the district.

The 28 total acres of property would provide space to expand, he said.

The William Penn reopening is just one of several changes that Turman hopes to make with the district’s possibly $83 million total share of federal COVID relief funds. The district has already received two previous rounds of this Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) funding and is in the process of submitting an application with their plans to secure $50.3 million third-round funds.

The money will help the district address impacts that the pandemic has had, including a widened achievement gap, increased mental/social-emotional needs, health and safety concerns, strain on family supports and financial instability, Turman said.

“You’re talking about $83 million that, when you step away from this, must be life-changing for this community that we serve,” he said.

In addition to William Penn, the district is considering reopening Steele Elementary School, on N. 5^th Street, to spread out elementary students. This would allow for 520 students to be moved from current buildings and for 26 classrooms to open, Turman explained.

Under the plan, Cougar Academy, the district’s virtual/in-person hybrid school, along with Harrisburg Virtual Learning Academy, the cyber school option, would expand, as well. They may move into the Lincoln building on State Street, which currently houses the district’s administration.

Some grades will also be moved around and curriculums expanded as the district works to address negative impacts of COVID on students’ learning.

Turman noted that data shows that 58% of Harrisburg kindergarten students were below their grade level in math in 2021, a jump from 36% in 2019. Those below their grade level in reading jumped 17% as well, he said.

Kindergarten and pre-K classrooms may open in the Lincoln building. Turman said that they also hope to open a pre-K site at each elementary school.

Under Turman’s plan, 5th-grade students would be impacted, as well, as the district is considering transitioning the grade from the middle school level back to elementary.

Based on the school’s data, there have been significant increases in behavioral and educational issues that arise when students transferred from 4^th to 5^th grade. Daily attendance dropped and suspensions rose significantly between the grades, Turman explained.

“When you look at the data […] we have some concerns for our 5th-grade students in the environment that they’re currently in,” Turman said.

At the high school level, Turman explained that there will be more career readiness education implemented as part of the plan.

Overall, Turman said that Harrisburg is looking to continue setting the foundation for the plan and conducting studies this school year. In the 2022-23 school year, the district anticipates starting construction and revamping curriculum for the magnet schools and career academics. By 2025, they hope to open Steele Elementary, William Penn, new pre-K classrooms and the new administration resource center.

The district has released a survey to solicit feedback from the community on the plan.

“You can let your past become your future if you’re going to focus on your past,” Turman said in closing. “But if we focus on the future and what we can do moving forward, we can become very strong and partner together and work together and do what’s best for all students.”

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Harrisburg School Board members sworn-in, tasked with advocating for children

December 6, 2021 | by Maddie Gittens

Screenshot from the virtual school board reorganization meeting.

The Harrisburg School District has a few new faces in office.

At a virtual reorganization meeting on Monday night, the district swore in six board members, four of whom took their seats for the first time.

Dauphin County Magisterial Judge Sonya McKnight led the swearing-in of the following board members, who were elected last month:

Brian Carter- 4-year term (re-elected)
Danielle Robinson- 4-year term (re-elected)
Roslyn Copeland- 4-year term
Jaime Johnsen- 4-year term
Terricia Radcliff- 2-year term
Ellis R. Roy- 2-year term

“This is an incredible time to work together to really support the students, families and staff members of the Harrisburg School District,” Receiver Janet Samuels said. “I’d like to encourage the board members to step out there and to make a difference.”

Board members voted for Brian Carter for president of the board and Steven Williams for vice president.

While the district is under court-mandated state receivership, board members do not have the power to vote at meetings. However, certain directors do serve as Dauphin County Technical School committee members, Pennsylvania School Board Association liaisons, Capital Area Intermediate Unit board members and the district’s Recovery Plan Advisory Committee members.

Samuels encouraged them to interact with community members and build partnerships to benefit the district.

“Just because we are in receivership, that does not mean that our advocacy stops,” Carter said. “We can advocate for our kids to get that quality education, and I look forward towards doing that.”

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The Week that Was: News and features around Harrisburg

December 3, 2021 | by Lawrance Binda and Maddie Gittens

Local photographer Kim Love has an exhibit in Harrisburg’s City Government Center.

Our December issue of the magazine is out! Throw on a coat and pick up a copy at a location near you or read it online. If you’re ready for all the holiday feels, you’re going to want to read these stories. But first, make sure you’re in the know on this week’s news, listed below.

Capital Region Water approved new 2022 rates for Harrisburg customers, our online story reported. The budget includes a 3% increase for drinking water and a 4% hike for wastewater service.

Crossroads Christian Ministry found a new church location after the congregation was forced out of its former building a few years ago. In our magazine feature, read the church’s story of sticking together through transition and finding a new home.

Dauphin County Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) is hoping to raise money this holiday season to support its advocacy efforts, our online story reported. The organization works to support youth in the foster system.

December brings lots of events with it, and we have them all in our monthly Happenings listing. Take a look, here.

The federal building in Harrisburg saw a final offer of $10 million on Thursday, after the online auction closed, our reporting found. The 246,000-square-foot building is located at 228 Walnut St.

The Harrisburg School District offered free flu shots to staff, students, families and the community this week, our online story reported. The clinic was held in partnership with UPMC.

Holiday events take the spotlight in our December Community Corner. If you’re looking for something festive to do, look no further.

As Mayor Eric Papenfuse approaches the end of his two terms in office, our editor reflects on his most significant accomplishments and shortcomings.

Mountain biking has become popular in the Harrisburg area, our magazine story reported. The Susquehanna Area Mountain Biking Association (SAMBA) provides local support to bikers through information and education.

New Year’s Eve celebrations are returning to Harrisburg this year after being held virtually last year due to the pandemic, our reporting found. The festivities will be held at FNB Field on City Island and will include fireworks, food trucks, live music and the traditional strawberry drop.

Open Stage is bringing back its traditional “A Christmas Carol” show that takes the stage each December. It’s a classic and perfect for the whole family to enjoy. Need more convincing? Here are the top five reasons why you should get tickets.

Our editor isn’t the biggest fan of winter, but is looking on the bright side of things this holiday season. Read his December Editor’s Note, here.

Pennsylvania awarded Harrisburg two grants to improve public safety and recreation in the city, our online story reported. One $500,000 grant will go towards the city’s community policing division and $150,000 will help with Reservoir Park improvements.

Photographer Kim Love’s exhibit “The Forgotten City” is on display at Harrisburg’s City Government Center, our online story reported. Through her art, Love seeks to give a voice to the overlooked in the city.

Sara Bozich has a list of weekend events perfect for getting into the Christmas spirit. There are light shows, holiday craft classes and seasonal shows, among other fun things.

Suicide is the nation’s 10^th leading cause of death, our magazine story reported. Capital BlueCross has some tips for how to spot the warning signs and support someone who is contemplating it.

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Harrisburg School District to offer free flu shots to community

November 30, 2021 | by Maddie Gittens

Lincoln Administration Building

The Harrisburg School District is offering families a way to stay healthy over the winter.

Students, families, staff and community members can receive a free flu shot at a clinic that the district and UPMC will hold.

On Dec. 1, from 3 to 5 p.m., flu vaccines will be offered at the Lincoln Administration Building at 1601 State St.

Anyone six months and older is eligible for the vaccine. Parents/guardians must be present for minors to get vaccinated. Adult identification is required.

No appointment is needed and walk-ins are welcome, according to the district. Parking is available in the rear parking lot.

Face masks are required.

According to a statement by the district, “flu vaccines protect against several influenza viruses that research suggests may be most common during the upcoming season. Influenza is a potentially serious disease that can lead to hospitalization and sometimes even death. Flu vaccines are safe and effective and have been given to children, adults and seniors citizens for decades.”

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

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The Week that Was: News and features around Harrisburg

October 22, 2021 | by Lawrance Binda and Maddie Gittens

“Over the Edge” is coming to Harrisburg on Oct. 29.

Whether you plan to head to the pumpkin patch, sit around the campfire or sip a latte at your favorite coffee shop this weekend, take time to get up to date on the current local news. Our week’s coverage is all listed and linked below.

Bethesda Mission will soon kick off its annual food drive, our reporting found. The nonprofit hopes to collect 120,000 pounds of food for those in need during the holidays.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Capital Region’s (BBBSCR) “Over the Edge” event is on Oct. 29, our online story reported. It will challenge participants to go over the edge of Harrisburg’s Fulton Bank building and rappel 21 stories, or 257 feet, down to the street below.

Federal and local law enforcement agencies are teaming up to target illegal gun purchases in Harrisburg, our reporting found. “Operation Scarecrow” seeks to track down people who illegally use a third party (straw party) to buy guns for them.

The Harrisburg School District may soon be adding increased mental health support to its students, our reporting found. They plan to work with Effective School Solutions (ESS), which provides mental health programming to K to 12 students.

The Harrisburg Zoning Hearing Board approved plans for a large apartment building proposed for Midtown, our reporting found. The project consists of one- and two-bedroom, market-rate apartments and a 3,000-square-foot commercial space.

The Hershey History Center tells the story of Hershey and Derry Township through exhibits and events, our magazine story reported. Currently, it’s showcasing an exhibit of locomotives and trolleys.

The LGBT Center of Central PA announced that it will move out of its current home on N. 3^rd Street in Harrisburg, our online story reported. According to the executive director, the center will continue operations remotely while looking for a new, larger building.

Harrisburg Mayor Eric Papenfuse announced his proposal to use over $12 million in federal funds to support seniors, our online story reported. The money would go towards creating a guaranteed income program for seniors, devoting money to a proposed affordable housing project and funding improvements to a local senior center.

Minority women entrepreneurs had a chance to network and learn at “EmergeHer,” a panel discussion, our online story reported. Harrisburg business owner Christine Titih held the event in hopes of providing resources to those looking to start a business.

The PA Farm Show is set for Jan. 8 through 15. However, the show can only go on if they can hire over 100 employees, our online story reported. Open positions range from part-time, temporary and permanent positions in security, maintenance and skilled trades.

Sara Bozich comes through again with her list of events in the Harrisburg area this weekend. Find something fun to do, here.

Seven Mountains Wine Cellars in Spring Mills offers 40 varieties on its wine list at any one time—many of them award-winners. In our magazine story, read about the father-son duo behind the brand and their mission to make great wine.

Small Business Saturday has created a platform for local businesses to get their name out during the pandemic. In our magazine story, read about founder Ashley Smith’s desire to support budding entrepreneurs through the monthly pop-up shops.

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The Week that Was: News and features around Harrisburg

September 24, 2021 | by Lawrance Binda and Maddie Gittens

The dastardly spotted lanternfly

Pawpaw season has hit central PA, prompting a feeding frenzy among fans of PA’s unique, native fruit. Amidst the feast, take some time to catch up on our week’s news, listed and linked below.

5G towers have sprung up all over Harrisburg in recent months. One was nearly constructed directly in front of one of Harrisburg’s grandest buildings, prompting the property owner to take quick action, according to our online feature story.

Harrisburg School District is updating its website to give parents and children information on the impact of the coronavirus pandemic. Our online story reported that the district is launching a COVID-19 dashboard to offer detailed case data for its buildings.

Ice-skating may not be on your mind in September, but a group of area women meets year-round to practice synchronized skating. Our feature story explains the unique sport and the camaraderie it fosters.

Intergovernmental Cooperation Authority members this week got an earful from Harrisburg’s financial advisor, who strongly advocated pursuing a proposed bond refinancing. According to our story, the issue has been hung up in City Council for several months.

King Mansion is one of Harrisburg’s most storied and stately buildings. In our magazine story, we explain how a new owner is bringing it renewed life and, for the first time, opening it up for public use.

Market Square Concerts is set to open its 40^th season in fine form. Our feature explains what listeners can expect from this music series that is growing older and better.

Nutrition and sustainability are in focus for an educational program called Ngozi’s “Let’s Get Dirty!” Our online story gives the details on this event dedicated to urban gardening and agriculture.

Rosemary says good-bye to the summer’s bounty with her final warm-weather recipe of the year. In her monthly column, she tells us to take those last vine tomatoes and stuff them.

Sara Bozich has a long list of to-do’s for this weekend. Festivals, music, dining—it’s all in her weekly column, just in time for some spectacular early autumn weather.

Spotted lanternflies have emerged as a menace in the Harrisburg area, which is infested by the non-native insect. In our online story, Harrisburg’s forester offers some tips, and the city is doling out free traps.

Steve Rudolph is practically synonymous with jazz music in the Harrisburg area. Our magazine story profiles the local legend, explaining how he came here and what he’s up to now.

Sushi Yatta is one of the newest entries to hit Harrisburg’s vibrant dining scene. Our feature story tells you what’s cooking (and what’s raw) at this takeout place in Midtown.

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Harrisburg School District to add COVID data, case numbers to its website

September 21, 2021 | by Maddie Gittens

Screenshot of Superintendent Eric Turman presenting the COVID-19 dashboard that will be added to the district’s website next week.

The Harrisburg School District is launching a new platform to keep parents and students informed about the impact of COVID-19.

At a business meeting on Monday night, Superintendent Eric Turman announced that a COVID dashboard will soon be available on the district’s website and include information on the number of cases per building.

“The dashboard would give us an opportunity, on a daily basis, to update the community in terms of what is happening in our schools,” Turman said.

On the dashboard will be a list of each school within the district, the total number of students in each and the number of COVID cases. It also will show what percentage of the student body those cases make up. Following those numbers will be a rating of the alert level for each school—low, moderate, high, very high or max.

According to their scale, a low case count of 0 to 1.99% of students is in the green, while a max level of 5% or higher is in the red. Turman explained that if the district reaches the max alert, they will move to remote learning for seven days.

The alert ratings will be updated every evening, Turman said.

The dashboard also indicates the number of students and staff who are quarantined. Turman explained that those numbers include anyone who may have been exposed to the virus, not only those who have tested positive.

The dashboard will likely be published on the district’s website next week, Turman said.

He also provided information about reporting COVID cases, symptoms and exposures.

If a student tests positive for COVID, a parent must report this to the school building leader, Turman said. They may only return to school after 10 days since the symptoms appeared, after 24 hours with no fever and after improvement in symptoms.

The school will then conduct tracing to identify children that were in close contact with the affected student, Turman said. Those students will remain quarantined in the building until a parent picks them up. The school community will then be notified, he added.

Also at the business meeting, Receiver Janet Samuels announced Dr. Lori Suski as the new chief recovery officer. She will work to continue with the district’s amended recovery plan, specifically focused on improving the areas of finances, academics and student stability. Suski previously served on the amended recovery plan advisory board for the district.

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September News Digest

August 31, 2021 | by Lawrance Binda and Maddie Gittens

Parking Rates Hiked

Street parking became even more expensive in Harrisburg last month, as the system’s manager implemented significant increases for metered spaces.

In early August, hourly street parking rose by 33% in the areas controlled by Park Harrisburg /SP+.

In the central business district (CBD) zone, which includes much of downtown, street parking rates increased from $3 to $4 per hour. In non-CBD areas, the rate rose from $1.50 to $2 an hour.

“This is the first meter rate increase since Park Harrisburg assumed responsibility for specified metered parking spaces and garages from the City of Harrisburg and Harrisburg Parking Authority in 2013,” said John Gass, managing director with PK Harris Advisors, the asset management company for the parking system, in a statement.

Gass added that a rate increase had been under consideration “for some time to provide sufficient cash flow to maintain expenses associated with the system.”

Mayor Eric Papenfuse said that he opposes the rate hikes and that the city was not consulted about the increase.

Harrisburg’s hourly street parking rates now are among the most expensive in the mid-Atlantic region.

Under Harrisburg’s 2013 financial recovery plan, SP+ took over management of much of Harrisburg’s parking system under a 40-year lease. The $286 million deal helped the city shed much of its crippling debt accumulated under former Mayor Steve Reed, much of it tied to botched retrofits of the city incinerator.

While street parking rates have not increased since SP+ took over the system in 2013, parking garage rates have increased.

Senior Housing Project Progresses

An affordable housing development for seniors received zoning approval last month, following significant pushback from neighbors at previous meetings.

A number of residents had expressed concern with the limited parking originally included in the project. But Bethel Village developers last month said that they had identified additional parking, leading the Harrisburg Zoning Hearing Board to approve the proposed plan.

“We are just happy that the zoning board made the right decision for the residents of the community and also for the Bethel Village project,” said Ryan Sanders, of RB Development, the developer of the project.

The original plan called for a 49-unit apartment building for low-income seniors at N. 6th and Herr streets that included only four off-street parking spaces. Bethel Village officials stated that, since the project caters to low-income seniors, they didn’t expect most to own cars.

However, facing neighborhood concern, they said that they reached agreements with nearby Tabernacle Baptist Church for the future use of 15 surface parking spaces and with the state Department of General Services for 10 spots.

The $15 million project last month also received approval from the Harrisburg Planning Commission for its land development plan, which now will need final approval from City Council.

According to Sanders, Bethel Village would become part of the “Jackson Square” project that aims to redevelop a block with ties to local African American history along N. 6th Street.

The four-story, nearly 45,000-square-foot building would partially sit on the site of the former Bethel AME church that burned down in 1995. It would provide one- and two-bedroom rental units ranging in price from $300 to $1,000 per month for qualifying seniors.

Industrial Site Purchased

A major logistics company has purchased a large swath of industrial land in Harrisburg, completing a years-long transaction.

Under the name Herr Street Investments, Watsontown, Pa.-based Moran Logistics bought a 21-acre site off of Cameron and Herr streets, once the heart of industrial Harrisburg.

CREDC, the nonprofit economic development arm of the Harrisburg Regional Chamber, sold the land for $505,000, following an environmental assessment of the property.

In a statement, John Moran Jr., owner of Herr Street Investments, thanked the Chamber and CREDC for their involvement, adding that, “this unused site is now positioned to provide many new opportunities for the City of Harrisburg.”

Moran did not specify how the company planned to use the site, though Moran Logistics already operates at the adjoining World Trade Center Harrisburg at the corner of Cameron and Herr streets. Statewide, the company operates over 5 million square feet of storage space in numerous locations.

Historically, the Harrisburg Steel Corp., which became the industrial giant Harsco, now based in Camp Hill, operated from the site, which has been largely unused for decades.

In 2018, CREDC purchased the property for $505,000. It then used $133,670 to perform an environmental assessment of the long-time industrial site, three-quarters of which was funded with a PA Industrial Site Reuse Program grant.

Charter School Denied

A proposed charter school that hoped to bring nursing courses to Dauphin County students has struck out for now.
In July, the Harrisburg School District denied an application for the Pennsylvania Nurses Middle College Charter School, which had plans to open in Midtown for the 2022-23 school year.

“I have carefully evaluated the record based upon the standard set forth in the charter school law,” said Janet Samuels, the state-appointed receiver for the district. “It is my conclusion that the application does not meet those standards and should be denied.”

This is the second time the proposed charter submitted an application. The first, in February 2020, also was denied.

The district received the second application in March 2021 and proceeded with two hearings.

According to the charter’s CEO Betsy Snook, the school would serve as a pipeline for students in grades 9 through 12 to continue on to obtain bachelor’s degrees and enter the nursing field. They also hoped to address the racial disparity in the nursing field by attracting and training minority students, she said. The district, she said, doesn’t have a program like this.

“I think it’s unfortunate for the Harrisburg School District students, and it’s unfortunate for our profession,” Snook said of the application denial.

The school would have been located in GreenWorks Development’s Midtown II building, alongside the PA STEAM Academy.

The proposed school was founded by the Pennsylvania State Nurses Association, which Snook also oversees, and the Nursing Foundation of Pennsylvania.

Home Sales Down, Prices Up

Transactions declined, but prices were much higher, as the area’s real estate association issued its home sales report for July.

For the month, 783 houses changed hands in the three-county region, compared to 884 the prior July, as the median sales price rose to $233,000 from $214,250 last year, according to the Greater Harrisburg Association of Realtors (GHAR).

In Dauphin County, sales totaled 373 housing units, versus 405 units in July 2020. The median price, though, was up substantially—$220,000 compared to $180,000 last year, stated GHAR data.

Cumberland County experienced a similar trend, as 346 homes sold versus 418 a year ago. The median price rose to $256,000 compared to $233,250 last July, GHAR said.

In Perry County, sales declined by four units, to 47 homes, as the median price rose to $199,000 from $177,700 last year.

Houses also were selling quickly. “Average days on the market” dropped to just 15 days, compared to 37 days in July 2020, according to GHAR.

So Noted

Blake Lynch last month accepted a new position as senior vice president and chief impact officer for WITF, central PA’s public media organization. Lynch, who worked for over three years in community relations posts for the Harrisburg Police Bureau, will oversee community engagement, fundraising, corporate sponsorship and marketing.

Davis Jones has been named HACC’s new vice president of student affairs and enrollment management, according to the Harrisburg-based community college. She has worked in higher education for over 20 years, most focused on developing, restructuring and implementing student programs, according to HACC, which operates five campuses throughout central Pennsylvania.

Harrisburg University last month announced that it has opened a location in Panama. In a release, the university stated that, through the new school, it hopes to increase access to STEM education in Latin America. Separately, it announced that it would keep its tuition rates stable for the ninth consecutive academic year.

Messiah Lifeways last month named Karl J. Brummer as its next president, effective Sept. 13. Brummer previously served as senior vice president of the Mechanicsburg-based senior living nonprofit organization. He replaces Curt Stutzman, who is retiring after eight years in the post.

Michelle Felton was named last month as the new principal of Harrisburg High School, John Harris Campus. Felton has served in public education for 22 years, including 18 years in Harrisburg, most recently as associate principal in the high school, according to the school district.

Nyree’s Restaurant and Lounge is coming to downtown Harrisburg, in the location last occupied by Bridge’s Social Club. Restaurateur Joe Hobbs will serve his signature soul food dishes, with an over-30 club located on upper levels of the sprawling building, he said. Hobbs also operates Nyree’s, a restaurant on the west shore.

Porters House is opening a standalone restaurant in Uptown Harrisburg at 2001 N. 6th St. Owner Nadine Graham said that she plans to retain her stand in the Broad Street Market, where she started in 2012 serving Jamaican staples like jerk chicken, oxtail and Jamaican beef patties.

Steve Conway has been named vice president of Wormleysburg-based Pyramid Construction Services. Conway joined the company following the recent retirement of Ralph Klinepeter and the appointment of Michael Klinepeter as president.

In Memoriam

Bob Hostetter, 83, died on July 27, following decades of serving the greater Harrisburg community. Hostetter served for 43 years with the Rotary Club of Harrisburg, including as president and as a board member, was president/CEO of the Hostetter Group and was an ordained Presbyterian minister, serving several area congregations. For 14 years, he was vice president for community outreach and project development of new communications technologies at WITF, Harrisburg’s public broadcasting station. A long-time resident of Shipoke, Bob also served on numerous other nonprofit boards, many education- and arts-related. Memorial contributions in his honor may be sent to the Pine Street Presbyterian Church, the Central PA Food Bank, Downtown Daily Bread, the Rotary Club of Harrisburg or the Allied Arts Fund.

Changing Hands

Adrian St., 2452: J. Hernandez to A. Brenes & E. Richard, $80,000

Benton St., 628: C. Hoffman to T. Tran, $85,000

Berryhill St., 2318: E. & V. Zellers to A. Bouhach, $86,000

Boas St., 1824: A. Ramsey to Integrity First Home Buyers LLC, $64,000

Briggs St., 1510: J. & R. Johnson to M. Evans, $123,000

Chestnut St., 1621: B. & L. Young to A. Bouhach, $55,500

Chestnut St., 1629: P. Heisse to Bachaouch Properties LLC, $50,000

Croyden Rd., 2986: N. Peterson to K. Weldeghbrial, $93,275

Derry St., 2112: Tassia Inc. to A. Ebert & K. Shelhorse, $89,000

Derry St., 2337: T. Lakmana & K. Mulvani to T. Casteel & TLC Construction & Renovation LLC, $70,000

Derry St., 2347: D. Michalski to M. Lopez, $65,000

Edward St., 203: M. Gabler to D. & E. Rumsey, $150,000

Evergreen St., 17: S. Peliz to V. Morocho, $50,000

Forster St., 1825: G. Stoltzfoos to J. Reyes, $53,000

Fulton St., 1330: Harrisburg Commercial Interiors & Associates to P. Palmer & B. Cespede, $194,000

Geary St., 610: CPenn Patriot Properties LLC to Integrity First Home Buyers LLC, $51,000

Graham St., 218: C. & D. Jeffries to A. & J. Grosh, $128,000

Green St., 1305½: B. Cott & T. Candori to J. Dubina, $110,000

Green St., 1406: S. Antola & L. Olenowski to Pine Asset Management LLC, $108,000

Green St., 1625: BCRA Realty LLC to B. Shoemaker, $208,000

Green St., 3107: J. Lambert & J. Cantley to L. & I. Voughs, $286,000

Green St., 3117: M. Means to K. Anoka, $160,000

Greenwood St., 2122: C. & S. McCullough to Alliance Estates LLC, $70,000

Greenwood St., 2255: D. & P. Wiedeman to Archie Group LLC, $221,000

Hamilton St., 422: M. Knouse to SRM Rentals LLC, $71,000

Herr St., 306: J. Galer to K. Haywood, $150,000

Herr St., 1001: Capital Region Economic Development Corp. to Herr Street Investments LLC, $505,000

Herr St., 1504: M. Diggs to D. Diggs, $35,150

Hoerner St., 135: D. Hargrove & D. Surbrena to SPG Capital LLC, $48,000

Holly St., 1834: M. Nichols to H. Vo & T. Thai, $68,700

Jefferson St., 2463: J. Fritchey & Equity Trust Company Custodian to D&F Realty Holdings LP, $150,000

Kelker St., 209: J. Johnson to Alkaline Properties LLC, $61,000

Kelker St., 425: D. & K. Steiner to S. Mitchell, $161,000

Kensington St., 2123: N. Raup to Cooperwink LLC, $70,000

Kensington St., 2200: K. & L. Avery to Lansanah Home Services Group, $60,000

Kensington St., 2330: A. Miller to Alliance Estates LLC, $72,000

Lexington St., 2622: Stoute Housung Inc. to EAM LLC, $45,000

Lexington St., 2704: Rockford Capital Group LLC to J. Amaro, $52,000

Linden St., 143: G. Hamm to F. Medina & Y. Morillo, $128,000

Logan St., 1714: L. Stokes to S. Albro, $132,000

Magnolia Dr., 2315: M. & J. Sullivan to C. DeBrunner, G. Klugh & Helsel Inc. RPM, $365,000

Manada St., 1903: M. & D. Graeff to Willow Mill Realty Holdings LLC, $75,000

Manada St., 1936: Rosemarie Williamson Trust to Obear Properties LLC, $90,016

Manada St., 1946: DHS Team LLC to Obear Properties LLC, $30,000

Market St., 1842: A. & R. Clark to Atlix Capital LLC, $145,000

Muench St., 313: Integrity First Home Buyers LLC to Awakening Enterprises LLC, $49,000

North St., 251, 255 and 226 Woodbine St.: Trip Aces 251 LLC, Trip Aces 255 LLC & Trip Aces 256 LLC to Inoma Properties East Shore LLC, $1,075,000

North St., 1818: Revive Our City LLC & E. Qureshi to T. Samuelson, $92,000

North St., 1938: S. Smith & R. Walters to Integrity First Home Buyers LLC, $50,000

N. 2nd St., 1113: Pharma Enterprises to Doyle Assets LLC, $100,000

N. 2nd St., 1507: Kabir Holdings Inc. to R. Rammouni, $115,500

N. 2nd St., 2139: D. Echnoz to 1910 Enterprises LLC, $185,000

N. 2nd St., 2141: T. & J. Perla to OK3 Investments LLC, $221,450

N. 2nd St., 2819: J. Nissley to N. Nero, $219,000

N. 2nd St., 3011: K. Boggan & G. Rine to E. & J. Mallory, $271,000

N. 3rd St., 700: R. & N. Mueller to B. Kenny & P. Christensen, $348,000

N. 3rd St., 1400: F. Karnouskos & A. Paliometros to Silverstone Enterprises LLC, $154,000

N. 3rd St., 1402: Karnouskos & Paliometros Partnership to SJL Rentals LLC, $231,000

N. 3rd St., 2208 & 2210; 1809 N. 2nd St.; 1611 Susquehanna St.; and 206 & 211 Hamilton St.: R. Valentine to SJL Rentals, $1,307,000

N. 5th St., 1536: A. Plowman to Harrisburg Rentals LLC, $30,000

N. 5th St., 2428: Neidlinger Enterprises to S. Goddard, $139,900

N. 5th St., 2629: Tassia Corp. to T. Smith, $90,000

N. 5th St., 2705: J. & J. Martinez to M. Suriel, $150,000

N. 6th St., 1012: Bethel African Methodist Church to Bethel Village Associates LLC, $303,000

N. 6th St., 2407: D. Boyle to M. Castro & E. Gonzalez, $34,000

N. 7th St., 1901: Staley North Seventh Street Properties LLC to Rustrum Realty Inc., $1,150,000

N. 15th St., 165: D. Deligny to T. Casteel, $36,000

N. 15th St., 1217: A. Plowman to PA Deals LLC, $100,000

N. 17th St., 1212: T. Herbster to C. Marietta, $85,500

N. 18th St., 41: S. Selimovic to Integrity First Home Buyers LLC, $69,000

N. 19th St., 28: N. Lindsey to House Cash LLC, $40,000

N. Front St., 1411: L. Rutherford to J. Robinette & A. Batz, $75,000

N. Front St., 1417: L. Rutherford to J. Robinette & A. Batz, $350,000

Norwood St., 913: G. Neff to D. Pietz, $69,500

Peffer St., 523: W. & A. Fluellen to Home for the Friendless, $85,000

Penn St., 904: J. Santarsiero to D. Moore & K. Williams, $120,000

Penn St., 918: M. & K. Beyer to S. Rudman, $130,000

Penn St., 1933: J. Hunter to K. Durkin, $170,000

Reel St., 2625: CPenn Patriot Properties LLC to J. Rodriguez, $47,000

Reel St., 2636: Neidlinger Enterprises LLC to A. Olson, $117,500

Reily St., 107: R. Valentine to SJL Rentals, $1,307,000

Regina St., 1600: J. & L. Hendricks to El Trio Propertys LLC, $267,500

Rolleston St., 1205: Integrity First Home Buyers LLC to D. & M. Hicks, $114,995

South St., 107: C. Stetler to K. Arnold, $135,000

S. 12th St., 1517: A. Early to O. Treasure, $92,500

S. 13th St., 435: F. & P. Harden to Alliance Estates LLC, $103,000

S. 14th St., 435: Anpat LLC to 1214 Baily Street LLC, $75,000

S. 17th St., 1040: Q. Viet to C. Samuel, $148,000

S. 23rd St., 602: D. Lee to S. Colbert, $82,000

S. 25th St., 600: B. Krulatz to D. Pham, $50,000

S. 25th St., 622: E. Buckwalter to C. Grant & M. Rinaldi, $75,000

S. 26th St., 615: K. & M. Blomerus to S. Ramos, $129,000

S. 26th St., 625: D. & C. Orsinger to KAB Rentals LLC, $65,000

S. 27th St., 638: A. Arosemena & J. Stoddart to R. Behrendt, $80,000

S. 27th St., 703 & 707: B. Lukwago & C. Solinas to B. Wilson, $103,000

S. Front St., 317: A. & K. Thornton to W. Zdazinsky, $170,000

S. Front St., 329: M. Ball to T. Dilldine, $182,000

State St., 234: Harrisburg Buildings & Grounds Co. to State YMCA of Pennsylvania Inc., $250,000

State St., 1730: Next Generation TC FBO Parvez Akhter IRA to JMR Ventures LLC, $56,500

Susquehanna St., 1710: M. Stauffer to K. Stein & G. Messina, $134,900

Susquehanna St., 2122: TST Properties LLC to SPG Capital LLC, $45,000

Vine St., 113: D. & K. Walker to C. Friedel, $115,000

Walnut St., 1322: Ausy Properties LLC to M. Baez & R. Disla, $60,000

Walnut St., 1808: Aumuller Enterprises Inc. to P. Carcione & C. Aumuller, $120,000

Walnut St., 1904: R. Rammouni to D. Boyle, $32,500

Woodbine St., 215: J. & P. Bruno to Ramsey Rhoads Group LLC, $185,000

Harrisburg property sales for July 2021, greater than $30,000. Source: Dauphin County. Data is assumed to be accurate.

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New Harrisburg superintendent spells out priorities for the coming school year

August 26, 2021 | by Maddie Gittens

Screenshot from the meet and greet event on Wednesday.

With Sam Cooke’s “A Change is Gonna Come” playing in the background, schools Superintendent Eric Turman promised Harrisburg students, “It’s been a long time coming, but things are gonna change.”

It’s true, the district will face a lot of change this year as it reopens its doors to students and welcomes the new superintendent.

At a meet and greet event on Wednesday, Turman explained his plans to lead the district through it all.

For much of his presentation, Turman outlined what he sees as priorities, including student achievement, finances, relationship building and branding of the district.

“It is so critical and important that we all work together to achieve our goals,” he said. “I am the glue that is going to keep this organization together. What I will not do is allow us to splinter off and go in different directions. What I will not do is allow us not to achieve our goals.”

Parents had the chance to submit questions for Turman. Student safety, test scores and graduation rates were some of the concerns he addressed.

“Test scores and graduation, just being transparent, this is probably an area that is going to take our 100% focus to make sure we start to move those two forward,” he said.

This will include observing data and looking at the root issues behind underperformance, Turman said.

As the former principal of Reading High School, Turman has had success in these areas, increasing the school’s graduation rates from 53% in 2011 to 72% in 2019. He also helped Reading decrease student dropout and suspension rates and increase its school performance profile data.

However, Turman admitted that leading an entire district will be new to him.

“This is going to be a learning curve for me,” he said.

To address safety concerns, the district has introduced staggered start times for schools so that all students aren’t dismissed at the same time and so older siblings can help younger ones get to school.

Other areas he hopes to improve—finances, language translation services, teacher retention rates and emotional supports for students.

In terms of emotional support, a concern among a few parents who submitted questions, Turman acknowledged that will be a challenge.

“This year is going to be something you’ve probably never seen before,” he said. “Kids are going to be coming to school with gaps that we’ve never seen before. If you don’t get past the emotional piece, the academic piece never happens.”

He said that the district has 10 social workers and around 15 to 20 counselors on staff.

Regarding COVID-19 concerns, Turman directed parents to the district’s website, which includes health and safety information.

The schools are requiring masks for all students, teachers and administrators, as well as for anyone who enters the buildings.

Overall, Turman assured the community that, moving forward, the district will always consider students first when making decisions.

“For all the students who attend the Harrisburg School District, know that every conversation we have, every idea or thought we discuss and every decision we make will always be centered around what is best for you,” he said.

For more information, visit the district’s website.

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The Week that Was: News and features around Harrisburg

August 20, 2021 | by Lawrance Binda and Maddie Gittens

4th and Dauphin Park was recently renovated

Between Dauphin County’s Cultural Fest, 3^rd in the Burg and Harrisburg’s usual happenings, there’s lots of fun to be had this weekend. Catch up on this week’s local news before you head out, listed and linked, below.

An affordable housing development for seniors received zoning board approval, after controversy over what some neighbors said was a lack of parking, our online story reported. Bethel Village will have to go before City Council before it can break ground at the proposed N. 6^th and Herr streets site.

Bob’s Art Blog paid tribute to local artist Dan Kalbach who passed away in 2017. He also previews what the community can expect to see at 3^rd in the Burg on Friday.

Dauphin County will hold its Cultural Fest this weekend on City Island in Harrisburg, our online story reported. Officials hope the event will bring the community together by celebrating diversity.

Harrisburg’s 4^th and Dauphin Park was recently renovated to include a new playground, basketball court and stormwater management features, our online story reported. The project is the last of five parks to undergo updates through a partnership with Capital Region Water.

Harrisburg Academy has a new Head of Middle and Upper Schools, our magazine story reported. Lindsay Bowman, a former history teacher at the school, hopes to help the community recalibrate after the pandemic.

Harrisburg High School alumni are raising funds to create a scholarship to help current district students attend college, our online story reported. All proceeds from the class of 1991’s upcoming 30^th reunion will go toward the scholarship.

Michelle Felton was named the new principal of Harrisburg High School, John Harris Campus, our reporting found. Felton, who has been with the district for 18 years, most recently served as the associate principal.

The Three Mile Islanders have been running laps around City Island in Harrisburg throughout the pandemic. In our magazine story, read about how the tradition saved group members from isolation and helped them build friendships.

Rosemary will guide you through the steps of making her creamy corn pasta with basil in her monthly column. The recipe is the perfect summer dish, so enjoy it before the season’s over.

Sara Bozich has plenty of ideas for ways to enjoy your weekend. Check out her Weekend Roundup, here.

Steve Swisher has long been popular on the Harrisburg music scene. In our magazine story, he reflects on a lifetime of playing shows.

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