Centennial SD rejects Act 1 opt-out; accepts $35,000 robotics grant and approves operations contract
January 28, 2026 | Centennial SD, School Districts, Pennsylvania
This article was created by AI summarizing key points discussed. AI makes mistakes, so for full details and context, please refer to the video of the full meeting. Please report any errors so we can fix them. Report an error »
At its Jan. 27 Committee of the Whole meeting, the Centennial School District Board considered several budget and finance items and recorded multiple formal votes.
On the question of an accelerated budget opt-out resolution to certify the tax rate within the Act 1 inflation index (top = 3.5%), directors debated advertising and timing. After roll-call votes, the motion failed 5–3. Board members who voted no cited concerns about timing and the need for more budget information; proponents said the resolution would cap potential tax increases at the Act 1 index. The board did not adopt the opt-out resolution.
Separately, the board accepted a Job Training and Education Programs grant of $35,000 to support a districtwide robotics program. The transcript credits state Representative "Bridal Monroe" with support for the grant. The motion to accept passed unanimously, recorded as 8–0.
The board also approved a quote with the Chester County Intermediate Unit for rubric data backup services covering 06/01/2026 through 06/30/2027 at a district cost not to exceed $21,666.67; the vote was recorded 8–0. Finance Committee discussion earlier in the meeting highlighted pressure on the district budget after the Pennsylvania School District Liquid Asset Fund class rate moved from 3.64% in December 2025 to 3.5% in January 2026 and noted a recent IRS optional standard mileage-rate change to $0.725 per mile effective Jan. 1, 2026.
The board approved multiple personnel and student-services items presented earlier on the agenda, including overnight conference requests and tuition contracts for New Hope Academy, and authorized an educational fund of $50,000 plus up to $5,000 in legal fees for a student-specific 504/educational-fund agreement.
Next steps: the board scheduled a budget workshop for Thursday evening to review the district's deficit and consider options. The failed opt-out resolution means the board may revisit tax-certification options before applicable deadlines.
On the question of an accelerated budget opt-out resolution to certify the tax rate within the Act 1 inflation index (top = 3.5%), directors debated advertising and timing. After roll-call votes, the motion failed 5–3. Board members who voted no cited concerns about timing and the need for more budget information; proponents said the resolution would cap potential tax increases at the Act 1 index. The board did not adopt the opt-out resolution.
Separately, the board accepted a Job Training and Education Programs grant of $35,000 to support a districtwide robotics program. The transcript credits state Representative "Bridal Monroe" with support for the grant. The motion to accept passed unanimously, recorded as 8–0.
The board also approved a quote with the Chester County Intermediate Unit for rubric data backup services covering 06/01/2026 through 06/30/2027 at a district cost not to exceed $21,666.67; the vote was recorded 8–0. Finance Committee discussion earlier in the meeting highlighted pressure on the district budget after the Pennsylvania School District Liquid Asset Fund class rate moved from 3.64% in December 2025 to 3.5% in January 2026 and noted a recent IRS optional standard mileage-rate change to $0.725 per mile effective Jan. 1, 2026.
The board approved multiple personnel and student-services items presented earlier on the agenda, including overnight conference requests and tuition contracts for New Hope Academy, and authorized an educational fund of $50,000 plus up to $5,000 in legal fees for a student-specific 504/educational-fund agreement.
Next steps: the board scheduled a budget workshop for Thursday evening to review the district's deficit and consider options. The failed opt-out resolution means the board may revisit tax-certification options before applicable deadlines.
Don't Miss a Word: See the Full Meeting!
Go beyond summaries. Unlock every video, transcript, and key insight with a Founder Membership.
✓
Get instant access to full meeting videos
✓
Search and clip any phrase from complete transcripts
✓
Receive AI-powered summaries & custom alerts
✓
Enjoy lifetime, unrestricted access to government data
30-day money-back guarantee
