Carlynton School District’s budget for next year doesn’t increase taxes for property owners.

The school board on June 3 approved the 2025-26 budget, which totals $37.1 million and maintains the current property tax rate of 28.5083 mills.

“We’re proud to present a plan that advances our mission without placing additional financial burden on our taxpayers,” said Superintendent John Kreider.

A property owner with Carlynton’s median assessed value of $109,800 would continue to pay $3,130 per year, or $260 per month, in school taxes.

Homeowners who qualify for the state’s homestead exemption will see about a $268 reduction to that bill.

The budget includes additional personnel to support students, enhanced safety and security measures, expanded technology support for students, staff and families; new instructional materials for English and math classrooms; expanded STEAM programming; increased support services for English Language learners; and a new College in the High School course enabling students to earn college credit at Carlynton.

“This budget supports several ongoing initiatives that align with the district’s strategic vision, including providing a safe and secure learning environment, delivering a world class education, expanding academics, athletics and opportunities in the arts, and protecting the financial interests of our community,” Kreider said.

Administrative shifts

The board also approved some administrative shifts that Kreider said will benefit the district.

• Michael Loughren, current principal of Carlynton High School, will take over a newly created role of coordinator of educational programs and services.

“This position will play a key role in supporting initiatives to increase K-12 attendance rates, coordinate the district’s K-12 online program with a particular focus on engaging families whose children currently are enrolled in cyber charter schools, lead efforts to boost district revenue through advertising and naming rights, partnerships with local regional and national businesses and alumni to help coordinate our district’s health and wellness program,” Kreider said.

• Marsha Burleson, current junior high principal, will become Jr.-Sr. High School Principal.

“Mrs. Burleson will work to expand the new culture and initiatives she initiated this school year in seventh and eighth grade and bring them (to ninth through 12th grade.)” Kreider said. “This realignment will help us sustain the positive momentum and programming needs that we witnessed this year with our seventh and eighth grade students while also expanding support to all secondary students.”

• District psychologist Patricia Serdy will become director of student services and district psychologist. Leading the student services department, Serdy’s role will encompass student mental health, social work, psychological and counseling services and the student assistance program, Kreider said.

“Over the past few years, the number of students with mental health and social emotional needs has increased significantly,” Kreider said. “This is not just the trend at Carlynton, but also across the country.”

• Business office coordinator Amy Jenkins will become human resources and business office coordinator. Jenkins’ position will provide efficient alignment between business operations, payroll and human resources, Kreider said.

• Josh Jones, supervisor of information technology, will become director of technology. Jones will take the lead in advancing new technology initiatives at Carlynton, Kreider said.

“As the world becomes more dependent on technology, schools have a critical responsibility to ensure students, faculty and staff have the instructional and operational technical support needed to be successful,” Kreider said.

The new positions become effective July 1.

School police officer

The board hired Darren Fisher as school police officer, a new position.

Fisher, a 1991 Carlynton graduate, currently is chief of police for the Burgettstown Area School District. There, he oversees a team of full-time and part-time officers and collaborates with first responders across four municipalities, Kreider said.

“Officer Fisher is deeply committed to addressing the social, emotional and academic challenges students face including bullying, peer pressure, learning difficulties and the impact of domestic instability and poverty,” Kreider said. “He understands how these changes affect student attendance, academic performance and their overall well-being.”

Fisher’s previous roles include working for the state’s Department of Corrections, Department of Revenue, the U.S. Secret Service and Stowe Township Police, Kreider said.

“We are confident that Officer Fisher’s extensive experience, student-centered mindset and ties to the Carlynton community make him an outstanding candidate for this vital role,” Kreider said.

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