The Salisbury Township board of directors held an operations and finance committee meeting May 7 to discuss the proposed final budget, bids for fuel, the food service renewal process and furnishing the Salisbury Elementary School library after the library configuration project is completed.

Director of Facilities Bill Brackett started the meeting off with good news concerning the fuel bid for the upcoming school year. Due to reduction in both diesel and gas prices the district should realize a $20,000 savings in fuel cost.

The board was also informed during the construction of the Vistas at South Mountain it will be necessary to create an easement at the corner of Gaskill Avenue and Emmaus Avenue. At the conclusion of the construction process any damage incurred on school property will be corrected.

The library configuration project and the furnishing of the library with updated tables, chairs, bookshelves and a circulation desk was the next topic of discussion. The estimated price tag for a refresh of the library furniture ranged from $109,600 to $160,000.

When asked where the funds to pay for the furniture would come from, Superintendent Lynn Fuini-Hetten indicated money previously allocated in the 2025-2026 proposed budget for the new librarian position could be used or the money could be withdrawn from the fund balance.

Fuini-Hetten noted during the operations and finance meeting April 9 the board was not in favor of adding a library media specialist position but was in support of using the money for a one-time cost project.

Directors Ian Riccaboni and Rebecca Glenister expressed their support of the project.

Chief Financial Officer Dawn Nickischer presented the board with a detailed account of the process involved in selecting proposals for a food service company to service the district.

Pennsylvania has established procedures that must be followed even if the district is content with the company they are currently using. The recommendation to the board will be to continue with the district’s current provider SFE, which will be voted on at the next regular school board meeting.

During the finance portion of the meeting Nickischer reported year-end projections showing a $1.9 million in fund balance and she reviewed the proposed final budget.

The board will vote on the proposed final budget May 14 and it will become available for public review May 16.

Currently, the budget reflects a 3.75% increase, which amounts to a $168.36 increase for the median household. Adoption of the final budget is slated for June 18.

In an effort to keep taxpayers informed, the board requested a one-page budget summary that will soon be mailed to each residence.

The Salisbury Township School District will hold a curriculum and technology committee meeting followed by a regular school board meeting 7 p.m. May 14.

An operations and finance committee meeting will be held 7 p.m. June 11.

All meetings will be held in the administration building, 1140 Salisbury Road.