School board reviews $723K laptop purchase, new sports programs

BY BRIAN CARSON

LEWISTOWN — The Mifflin County School District is preparing to approve more than $700,000 in technology spending and add two sports programs, moves that would affect classroom access and student opportunities in the 2026-27 school year.

At Thursday’s Committee of the Whole meeting, board members reviewed a proposal to purchase 1,423 laptops at a total cost of $723,225.52 and to fully fund girls wrestling and junior high baseball beginning next school year.

The laptop purchase, the largest item discussed, would replace aging devices across the district and at the Mifflin County Academy of Science and Technology.

The proposals reflect an effort to keep pace with technology needs while expanding extracurricular opportunities.

District officials said the laptop replacement cycle is necessary to maintain classroom functionality, while new sports are driven by rising student interest.

For students, the laptop purchase means continued access to up-to-date classroom technology. For families, the addition of girls' wrestling and junior high baseball could expand participation opportunities without the need for outside club funding.

Residents may also see indirect benefits from planned upgrades to building systems, including HVAC controls and school facilities.

The proposed laptop purchase carries a total cost of $723,225.52, with $668,335.60 allocated to the school district and $54,889.92 to the academy.

Board members also reviewed a proposal to purchase a backup data storage system for $42,053.26.

In athletics, the board is considering fully funding girls' wrestling at an estimated cost of $21,000 for varsity and $12,000 for junior high, along with adding junior high baseball at an estimated cost of $13,000.

Board members discussed whether to follow a past practice of requiring two years of club status before district funding.

Athletic Director Tish Maclay said in an email the push to fund girls wrestling after one year is based on strong interest, conference competition and potential Title IX benefits.

Board members also reviewed personnel changes, including the resignation of Jessica Baumgardner from the Mifflin County Academy of Science and Technology Operating Committee due to scheduling conflicts.

Much of the discussion focused on long-term planning and cost efficiency.

District officials highlighted a potential $60,000 savings opportunity if HVAC control systems are upgraded ahead of the end of manufacturer support, rather than waiting and paying higher replacement and emergency service costs later.

Board members also discussed balancing upfront investment against uncertainty in long-term participation, noting interest could fluctuate.

The laptop purchase is part of the district’s ongoing device replacement cycle as hardware ages and software requirements increase.

The discussion of new sports follows a broader trend of expanding athletic offerings, particularly in girls' wrestling, which has grown rapidly across Pennsylvania in recent years.

Facilities planning also played a role, with administrators outlining potential summer projects and a limited construction window.

The board also reviewed several additional items, including:

• Updates to policies on attendance, weapons, procurement and emergency preparedness
• Approval of the 2026-27 employee pay schedule, which includes 27 pay periods due to the calendar
• Financial reports and tax-related actions
• Permission for the cross-country team to attend an out-of-state showcase, with boosters covering travel costs

Meeting Notebook

• District officials discussed replacing aging playground equipment, with costs ranging from minor repairs to a full replacement estimated at tens of thousands of dollars.
• HVAC system upgrades could save more than $60,000 if completed before manufacturer support ends.
• The district is exploring communication platform alternatives to improve efficiency for families and staff.
• Preliminary student testing results at the academy showed strong performance on NOCTE exams.