ESASD Regular Board Meeting (June 15)

The East Stroudsburg Area School District (ESASD) School Board held its regular meeting on June 15, 2026. The meeting included a detailed discussion of the 2026-2027 budget, highlighting a proposed 5% real estate tax increase to address a structural deficit and a projected $15.6 million budget deficit. The board reviewed revenue sources, including state grants and local tax revenues, and discussed expenditure increases such as health insurance and debt service. A significant agenda item was the approval of a debt restructuring plan involving JP Morgan Chase Bank to smooth out debt service payments and provide budget relief, with a total present value cost of approximately $805,000 over the life of the loan. The board also approved various procurement-related items including service agreements with Inservco Insurance Services for workers' compensation administration, cafeteria bread and dairy bids awarded to Rockland Bakery and Pocono Mountain Dairy respectively, and insurance proposals from Engle, Hambright and Davies Inc. Capital improvement projects such as boiler replacements and lighting upgrades were reviewed, with ongoing discussions about the North bus garage remodel due to higher than expected costs. Additionally, the board approved contracts for specific services, event admission pricing for the school year, and authorized attendance at the PSBA School Leadership Conference. Several motions related to budget transfers, fund balances, and homestead and farmstead tax exclusions were passed. The meeting also included recognition of the state championship unified track and field team and updates on curricular frameworks and educational programs. Public comments addressed concerns about the tax increase and benefits costs. Overall, the meeting focused heavily on fiscal management, debt restructuring, procurement approvals, and community engagement for upcoming budgetary decisions.