The Wilson (Wilson SD) School Board on Oct. 20 unanimously approved a resolution urging Pennsylvania’s governor and General Assembly to adopt a comprehensive, sustainable state budget and discussed concerns about special education oversight following federal staffing changes.

Board members said the lack of a state budget and recent federal changes to the Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) have created uncertainty for school districts and could affect services students receive. The board passed the resolution by roll call vote, 9-0.

Why it matters: board members and public commenters said timely state and federal funding and oversight matter to students with disabilities because programs and compliance activities depend on them. A parent who spoke at the meeting, Lindsay Nance, described OSEP as “a national legal clearing house” that helps families and argued that eliminating its staff “forces 50 states to create 50 separate expensive entities.” The board and district leaders responded that the district remains bound by federal law and state regulations and is monitoring the situation.

Board discussion and staff responses

Lindsay Nance, a parent and educational consultant, asked the board to lead proactively and to publicly assure families that the district will protect mandated services for students with disabilities regardless of federal or state changes. “Eliminating this national legal clearing house forces 50 states to create 50 separate expensive entities for the same work,” Nance said.

Superintendent Dr. Trickett and district staff told the board they are tracking both federal developments and the ongoing Pennsylvania budget impasse. Dr. Trickett said the district is monitoring possible impacts and will discuss specific agenda items later in the meeting related to state funding.

Doctor Hoffert, a district staff member who addressed regulatory and funding questions, said that the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Pennsylvania School Code remain the controlling law for local special-education programming. “Pennsylvania School Code through chapters 14, 15, 16 are really the controlling law that we follow,” Dr. Hoffert said, adding that the Pennsylvania Department of Education continues to oversee the state’s implementation.

Financial context

District leaders said Wilson receives a majority of its revenue from local sources and is less immediately exposed than some districts to the state impasse, but they cautioned the situation is fluid. Dr. Trickett and finance staff said the district receives retroactive federal IDEA funds based on previous allocations and that the district’s local revenue (property taxes and other local sources) makes up roughly three-quarters of the budget.

Board and public reaction

Board members urged continued advocacy. Board member Mrs. Denny read the resolution aloud during the meeting; the resolution calls on elected officials to work toward “the immediate adoption of a comprehensive, fair, and sustainable state budget that appropriately funds public education.” Dr. Kennedy, a board member, urged the board to reassure families—especially those with children who receive special education services—that the district will continue to protect students.

Public comment

Diane Shatko, a parent, asked whether the board has been in contact with state officials and what assurances the board can give that students will not be denied a free and appropriate public education (FAPE). Board members said they and district staff are in contact with local and state officials and will continue to advocate for stable funding and oversight.

Votes at a glance (selected items from Oct. 20 agenda)

- Resolution in support of timely passage of the Pennsylvania state budget — motion moved by Mister McCray; second not specified in the record; roll-call vote 9-0 in favor — outcome: approved. The resolution language urges the governor and General Assembly to adopt a timely, sustainable budget and commits the board to continued advocacy and community updates.

- Approval of superintendent report items 4.1–4.7 (personnel updates and hires) — roll-call vote 9-0 — approved.

- Approval of payment of bills (finance item 10.1) — roll-call vote 8 yes, 1 abstain — approved.

- Other routine approvals including field trips, human resources hires, student services contracts, technology contracts, operations flooring, transportation contracts, and budget transfers — all approved as presented (see meeting minutes for individual item numbers and vendor names).

What the board will do next

Board members and district staff said they will continue to monitor state and federal developments and provide public updates. The resolution directs district leadership to continue advocacy with state officials and to keep the community informed about challenges created by the budget delay.

Ending

Board members closed by encouraging community members to contact state and federal legislators. Mrs. Denny and other board members emphasized advocacy and communication as near-term priorities for protecting services to students.