KC School Board Questions Concrete Work, Expenses During Voting Meeting
By Christopher Miller
BALD EAGLE TOWNSHIP – The Keystone Central School Board met Thursday evening for their October voting meeting.
During the meeting, Sam Hoy, Director of Property Services spoke up during the Bills for Payment portion of the meeting, asking how he can efficiently operate his office daily while making necessary repairs if, “I need permission by vote every time I want to spend $1.”
“Based on what was done by the board, you are now at this point to have to come to the board to vote if you need something”said Board President Roger Elling.
Board member Jeff Johnston went on to further tell Sam that “he is handcuffed right now,” that the board does not want him to spend any money, “so he better call the board every time he wants to buy something.”
Hoy also spoke about proposed concrete work along Kyler Avenue in Mill Hall at the elementary school.
Last week, the approval of a $24,468.00 for site work by Antares Site Work, LLC was introduced to replace 275 feet of sidewalk along Kyler Avenue with the addition of two ADA access points at the corner of Kyler Avenue and West Kyler Avenue.
Board member Elisabeth Lynch questioned the expense, saying that the Zoning Officer for Mill Hall Borough said only a small portion of the cement is actually cracked.
Hoy responded, saying that six sections of the sidewalk are cracked-through, and that 90% of the sidewalk is uneven and would need a “strong individual to maneuver a wheelchair to get over it.”
He further defended the work to be done, saying that he only has $200,000 budgeted for concrete work from the district’s 10-year plan, and that he wishes to be fiscally responsible to do all of the sidewalk at one time and not sections.
The board voted in favor of the concrete work.
Superintendent Dr. Frank Redmon informed the board that State Senate Bill 829 is currently in appropriations and is making its move through the Senate.
“We will soon have a state fossil that is particular to Pennsylvania and the Bucktail area,” Dr. Redmon said. “I am very excited about this. Our students will be going to Harrisburg in November to speak on the floor of the Senate.”
Dr. Redmon also added that the state budget impasse continues.
“The further in the year we go without a state budget, the more difficult it gets for us and for other districts throughout the state. Hopefully it will be resolved soon.”
He also informed the group that the Act 1 Index, which is the maximum percentage a school district can increase property taxes each year without voter approval, was dropped from 7% to 3.5% for 2026.
In other news, the school board voted to approve a donation of a 2009 Hyundai Sonata Limited 4-door Sedan for the Career and Technical Center program. Thanks to Mr. and Mrs. Hoy, this vehicle will be used in demonstrations and learning experiences for the students in the automotive technology program, particularly to learn diagnostics and how to rebuild an engine. The vehicle has a current fair market value of $3,677.
Several visitors spoke to the school board Thursday evening bringing up concerns with tax dollars, drops in enrollment, and property taxes.
The school board also approved an agreement between the district and the Lock Haven University Foundation for the use of Evergreen Commons tour apartment space as a teacher resource to support students’ educational growth, independent/daily living skills, and post-secondary readiness.
Berkheimer will begin providing tax collection services for the Local Services Tax (LST), Business Privilege Tax (BPT), and Earned Income Tax (EIT) effective January 1, 2026.
School board member Butch Knauff was not present for the voting meeting.
The below personnel issues were approved:
LEAVE OF ABSENCE
Support
Leave of absence for Marlin Russell, 210 Custodian at Central Mountain High School, effective September 19, 2025 through approximately October 6, 2025. Absence is uncompensated.
Leave of Absence for Dena Falls, Transportation Secretary, at Administration, effective August 22, 2025 through approximately January 31, 2026. Absence is partially compensated. Revised dates.
Leave of absence for Julie Green, Personal Care Assistant at Renovo Elementary School, effective April 8, 2026 through June 8, 2026. Absence is partially compensated.
Leave of absence for Samantha Hardy, Secretary at Woodward Elementary School, effective September 11, 2025 through approximately October 18, 2025. Absence is partially compensated.
Administrative
Leave of absence for Amy Breon, Principal at Administration, effective September 25, 2025 through December 18, 2025. Absence is compensated.
EMPLOYMENT
Support
Employment of Adrianna Raymond, Cafeteria Under 25, 4.5hrs/day, at Central Mountain High School, effective TBD, at a rate of $14.50/hour, paid from the General Fund per the ESP Contract. Hiring is contingent upon receipt of all required paperwork including, but not limited to, all necessary background checks that meet the appropriate standard(s) as required by Pennsylvania law. Filled due to vacancy.
Employment of Christa Hamilton, Cafeteria Under 25, 3.5hrs/day, at Central Mountain High School, effective TBD, at a rate of $14.50/hour, paid from the General Fund per the ESP Contract. Hiring is contingent upon receipt of all required paperwork including, but not limited to, all necessary background checks that meet the appropriate standard(s) as required by Pennsylvania law. Filled due to vacancy.
Employment of Tabitha Allen, Library Building Assistant, at Keystone Central School District, effective TBD, at a rate of $14.50/hour, paid from the General Fund per the ESP Contract. Hiring is contingent upon receipt of all required paperwork including, but not limited to, all necessary background checks that meet the appropriate standard(s) as required by Pennsylvania law. Filled due to vacancy.
TRANSFERS
Support
Transfer Marian Berry from Cafeteria Under 25, 4.25hrs/day, at Central Mountain Middle School to Cafeteria Under 25, 4hrs/day, at Central Mountain Middle School, effective September 29, 2025. No change in rate of pay.
Transfer Sheila Neff from Personal Care Assistant, at Central Mountain High School to Inventory Clerk/Utility Worker, at Property Services Office/Warehouse, effective TBD, at a rate of $17.67/hour, paid from the General Fund per the ESP Contract.
Transfer Alyssa Waterman from Cafeteria Under 25, 4.25hrs/day, at Central Mountain High School to Head Cook, 6.25hrs/day, at Woodward Elementary School, effective October 23, 2025, at a rate of $15.55/hour, paid from the General Fund per the ESP Contract.
RESIGNATIONS/RETIREMENTS/TERMINATIONS
Support
Retirement of Melissa Probst, Personal Care Assistant, at Central Mountain High School, effective January 5, 2026. Retirement of Diane Burkey, Lead Custodian, 2nd Shift, at Property Services Office, effective February 27, 2026.
Retirement of Leslie Felmlee, Building Assistant, at Central Mountain High School, effective May 15, 2026. Retirement of Renee Pearce, Personal Care Assistant, at Central Mountain High School, effective February 13, 2026.
Professional
Retirement of Kelly Baker, English Teacher, at Central Mountain High School, effective the last day of the 2025-2026 school year.
Retirement of Leonard Rutecki, Autistic Support Teacher, at Central Mountain High School, effective the last day of the 2025-2026 school year.
Resignation of Drue Allison, Lead Librarian, at Central Mountain Middle School, effective September 10, 2025.
