ESASD Regular Board Meeting (May 18)

The East Stroudsburg Area School District (ESASD) School Board held a regular meeting on May 18, 2026, focusing extensively on budgetary and personnel matters. The board discussed significant staffing adjustments including the elimination and consolidation of administrative and professional positions, resulting in multi-million dollar savings. Notably, the district replaced a Chief Financial Officer position with contracted school business consultants, achieving cost savings of approximately $139,000 annually. Other restructuring included collapsing supervisory roles and creating new leadership positions to improve operational efficiency. The board also addressed rising healthcare costs, with an 18.27% increase in funding rates for employee health benefits, and the impact on the district's reserve balance. The proposed 2026-2027 budget of over $213 million was presented, including a 5% Act 1 index tax increase projected to raise about $4.9 million in revenue, with millage rates adjusted for Monroe and Pike counties. Public comments highlighted concerns about staffing cuts, schedule changes affecting electives, and the importance of maintaining programs such as librarians and extracurricular clubs. Several motions were passed, including approval of curricular resources, agreements for athletic facilities, and the addition of a 403b retirement plan provider. The board emphasized transparency in hiring practices and the collaborative nature of decision-making. Overall, the meeting centered on balancing fiscal responsibility with educational quality and community concerns.