Washington County School Board Updates Animal Policy, Reviews Budget, and Sets School Year End Date

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The Washington County Board of Education (WCBOE) convened on March 18, 2025, for its regular public business meeting, where it approved a new policy on animals in schools, reviewed budget plans for the upcoming fiscal year, and finalized the end-of-year calendar. The Board also discussed proposed policy revisions, approved contracts, and recognized achievements of students and staff across the county.

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The Board adopted Policy ACF, establishing guidelines for when animals may be present on school property. Under the new policy, pets, therapy animals, and emotional support animals are not permitted. However, exceptions may be granted for curriculum-related animals, vendor animals, or animals involved in school-sponsored events with prior approval.

Board members held first readings on several proposed policy and administrative regulation changes. These include updates to fund balance reserve guidelines, check-writing and signing authority policies, and procedures for public comment at meetings. The Board is accepting community feedback through April 8, 2025, ahead of anticipated final approval at the April 15 meeting.

Superintendent David Sovine announced that the last day of the 2024–2025 school year for students will be Friday, June 6, with a 2.5-hour early dismissal. Teachers will conclude the year on Monday, June 9. WCPS schools and facilities will shift to extended summer hours, opening Monday through Thursday and closing on Fridays starting the week of June 9.

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The WCBOE held a public hearing on its draft FY2026 General Fund Operating Budget. Final approval of the budget, ahead of submission to the Washington County Board of County Commissioners, is scheduled for April 15, 2025.

In other business, the Board approved several operational contracts. These include agreements for device repairs through 2027, software to monitor network security, masonry repairs at Northern Middle School, and renewals of instructional and diagnostic reading tools like Capti Assess Read Basix and mClass DIBELS.

The Board also approved a memorandum of understanding with the Williamsport Wildcat Athletic Boosters Club, granting the group the right to solicit donations in exchange for advertising on the school campus. In addition, the Facilities and Enrollment Advisory Committee (FEAC) was directed to establish a new attendance zone for Downsville Pike Elementary School and evaluate pressure points in other elementary zones.

To commemorate National Music in Our Schools Month and National Youth Art Month, the Board recognized student musicians selected for all-state ensembles and artists honored in state and national contests. Winter sports state champions in indoor track, wrestling, and unified bocce were also celebrated. The Board honored Charles Bell as the 2025 ESP of the Year along with finalists Lacey Grove, Ashley Harbaugh, Edwina Walker, and Jessica Walsh.

Article by multiple RFHC contributors, based upon information from the Washington County Board of Education press release

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