Infrastructure Costs and Shifting Personnel at Governor Mifflin

Shillington, Pa. — The May 4 Governor Mifflin School Board meeting agenda reveals a district juggling a proposed $95 million budget, a 1.49-mill tax increase, and over $210,000 in construction change orders including a $77,406 gym floor crisis. Meanwhile, a new $128,000 Mental Health Supervisor position signals the district's growing social-emotional challenge, even as it loses veteran staff. A rare bright spot: a renegotiated Chromebook lease saving $311.62/month. The Mifflin Report breaks down the numbers, the votes, and what it all means for taxpayers.

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While the proposed $95 million budget and subsequent 1.49-mill tax increase set the stage for fiscal tension, the granular details of change orders and hiring decisions point to deeper operational challenges. $95M Proposed Budget 1.49 Mill Tax Increase $210K+ Change Orders $128K New Mental Health Supervisor The Change Order Chain: Precision or Poor Planning? The district is currently managing significant renovations at both the High School and Middle School, but a flurry of change orders raises questions regarding the initial scope of work. Change Order Rooftop Structural Reinforcement — $55,417 The board ratified over $55,000 in structural steel support for HVAC equipment across both schools. While these costs were covered by existing contract allowances, the need for "additional" reinforcing per architect's supplemental instructions suggests that the original structural assessments may have been incomplete. FOR: 4-3 AGAINST: 0 Change Order The Auxiliary Gym Floor Crisis — $77,406.78 The most glaring expense is the $77,406.78 required for ceramic tile removal and floor leveling in the High School gym. This "additional demo" was deemed necessary to "properly install" the finished floor — representing a significant unforced expenditure that typically indicates unforeseen site conditions or lack of thorough pre-construction testing. FOR: 5-2 AGAINST: 0 Change Order Countertops — $2,065.86 Extra countertops in the Commons area. A late-stage addition that, while individually small, contributes to the complexity of the Construction Fund burn rate. FOR: 3-3 AGAINST: 3 Change Order Backsplash Material — $1,629.96 Backsplash material for a Middle School classroom. Another late-stage adjustment reflecting a pattern of incremental scope creep during the renovation process. The pattern is clear: individually, each change order can be justified. Collectively, they tell the story of a construction process where "unforeseen conditions" have become the norm rather than the exception. Special Bulletin: Change order costs, vote tallies, and staffing shifts at a glance. Personnel Flux: Bridging the Mental Health Gap The human resources agenda highlights a district pivoting to address escalating student needs, though it is simultaneously losing veteran expertise. New Position Mental Health Supervisor — $128,000 The appointment of Leslie Shaud as Supervisor of Student Services for Mental Health at a salary of $128,000 signals a major institutional commitment to social-emotional support. This new administrative layer suggests that current structures were insufficient to handle the mental health crisis facing students. Attrition The High Cost of Staff Turnover The district is losing a School Psychologist (Amber Murray) and a Part-time Paraprofessional (Tammy Arner). While the board moved to hire a Learning Support teacher (Jennifer Holets) and a Speech/Language professional (Bridget Stevens), the "attrition work" stipend of $750 given to Jacob Leonowitz for the Music Program hints at the administrative strain of maintaining specialized programs during staff transitions. Compliance Lifeguard Removal The board agenda noted the removal of a candidate from the auxiliary athletic appointment list due to "incomplete employment requirements." Because the application process was never finalized, the individual never officially entered the district's employ. This situation highlights the district's rigid administrative hurdles and the high standards required for candidates to clear the onboarding process before they can serve the student body. Strategic Adjustments and Fiscal Ironies Interestingly, the district is seeking efficiency in some areas while expanding in others. Savings Tech Savvy Win: Chromebook Deal Saves $311.62/Month In a rare win for the bottom line, the district scrapped a previously approved lease for a new agreement with GDC IT Solutions . This move provides 1,050 Chromebooks while saving $311.62 per month compared to the original deal. TBD The Solar Gamble The approval of a no-cost solar feasibility study indicates a desire for long-term energy independence, though the actual "cost savings" remain theoretical until the study concludes. Good intentions, unproven results. Conclusion: A District of Additions Governor Mifflin is currently a district of "additions" — additional millage, additional structural steel, and additional mental health oversight. While the infrastructure upgrades are nearing completion, the high cost of "unforeseen" floor leveling and the constant churn of specialized staff suggest that the 2026-2027 fiscal year will be a test of whether these investments yield a more stable environment for students — or simply a higher bill for taxpayers . The Board will determine final approval on these measures at tonight's meeting: May 4, 2026, at 7:00 PM — GMSD Office, 10 S Waverly St, Shillington, PA 19607. Public attendance is encouraged.