05-12-2026 HBGSD "Committee of the Whole" - Board Meeting

The Harrisburg City School District held a Committee of the Whole board meeting on May 12, 2026, focusing extensively on procurement and budgetary matters. Key procurement discussions included the approval of a food service management contract renewal with Southwest Food Service Excellence for the 2026-27 school year, a contract with Barry Isa and Associates for asbestos testing during the William Penn building demolition at a cost of $25,150, and the selection of Shiva Business Solutions as the vendor for a new 60-month managed print service agreement starting August 2026. The board also reviewed and discussed the proposed final budget for the 2026-27 school year totaling approximately $227.7 million, highlighting revenue sources, including a 3% tax mill rate increase, and expenditures with a focus on instructional programs, special education expansion, and staffing needs. Several motions related to contracts, payroll, check registers, insurance proposals, and facility use were moved forward for approval at the next meeting. Additionally, the board addressed policy updates and discussed the potential restructuring of the School of Business Industry (SBI) program into a Career and Technical Education (CTE) pathway, though this item was removed from the agenda for further consideration. Public comments notably emphasized support for the SBI program and concerns about program changes. The meeting concluded with appointments of board delegates and the school board treasurer, and a consensus to move the next board meeting to May 26, 2026, due to election day conflicts.