💙💛 Board Highlights – December 2025 Meetings Recap 💛💙
Board Highlights is a quick recap of what happened at the latest LASD Board meeting. It’s designed to keep you informed at a glance — for full details, please see the official agendas, minutes, and recordings.
The Littlestown Area School District Board of School Directors held its December Committee Meetings on November 25, the Reorganization and Work Session on December 1, and the Regular Meeting on December 8. All meetings were conducted in person and livestreamed for public convenience.
💙💛 How Our Board Makes Decisions 💛💙
FYI: Our board follows a three-step process before any vote: Committees first review items in detail and work to determine which recommendations should be brought to the full board. Next, all items are discussed at the work session, giving board members another chance to ask questions and provide input. Finally, there is a last discussion before the regular meeting vote. This ensures every decision is thoughtful, transparent, and focused on what’s best for our students and community.
💙💛 Note on Public Comments 💛💙
Board Highlights focus on the board’s discussions, decisions, and actions. Public comment is always welcome at meetings and is fully documented in the official minutes, which are available for review.
💰 Finance, Property & Supply (FP&S) Committee
📉 Cyber/Charter Funding Reform Update
The committee reviewed the latest developments in statewide cyber/charter reform efforts and discussed the financial impact these costs continue to have on LASD.
Major financial changes include deductions allowed within our tuition rate for:
Cyber school costs for our regular education students
Tax assessment collections
60% of student activities, which include athletics
60% of operations and maintenance services
However, we now have to reduce our Average Daily Memberships (ADMs) of those cyber school students that we claim costs for, which lowers the denominator, and lessens the impact we get financially..
For Special Education, it's the lesser of whatever our current rate is at the current calculation or a cap at 1.89% of a regular education student rate.
PDE (PA Department of Education) is required to use these rates if they take from our subsidy for the posted rates. Currently, cyber schools can create a rate that is different from our rate and then LASD has to fight for it back.
Major procedural changes include:
Proof of residency 2 times per year
Notification of change in residency must be given to LASD within 10 days of change.
LASD may now dispute residency and proof must be provided. Currently, LASD cannot even inquire about residency.
A student may not transfer to a cyber school if they are found officially truant, unless a judge orders it.
Cyber school students have to have an in person wellness check once a week from either a teacher or administrator.
New direction of basic education subsidy will now come from the Ready to Learn grant.
💵 Fund Balance & Allocation Discussion
Administration provided an update on projected fund balance and potential allocation strategies, with an emphasis on long-term financial stability and responsible stewardship. Notable items include:
Pending the completion of the final 2024-2025 audit, a $1.5 million surplus is expected.
See the slide presentation for more details here
🏗️ Capital Projects – Part 2
The committee reviewed the next phase of capital project needs, including timelines and estimated costs, and agreed to advance 2 of the 3 items requested for further consideration by the full Board:
Resurfacing and repainting of ACES playground
New carpet in the district offices
🎥 Board Meeting Livestream Options
Members discussed potential upgrades to the district’s livestream equipment to improve audio/video quality and enhance public accessibility. Administration is evaluating reliable, user-friendly, and cost-effective solutions.
📘 Curriculum, Co-Curriculum & Policy (CC&P) Committee
🔬 Elementary Science (STEELS) Pilot
Dr. Berryman shared feedback from the STEELS elementary science pilot, including teacher responses and alignment with updated state standards.
📚 Course Selection Guide Updates
The committee reviewed proposed changes to middle and high school course offerings for 2026–2027, focusing on program alignment, student pathways, and opportunities for expanded coursework.
📅 2026–2027 Academic Calendar
Administration presented the first draft of the 2026–2027 school calendar, with discussion around instructional days, holidays, and regional coordination.
📈 Annual Data Report – Growth & Achievement Summary
LASD demonstrated strong academic growth compared to last year across core subjects and grade levels.
📖 ELA (Reading/Writing)
ELA scores increased in nearly every grade, including:
Grade 3: +6%
Grade 4: +2.4%
Grade 6: +2%
Grade 7: +4.9%
Grade 8: +5.4%
Growth indicators show multiple grades meeting or exceeding growth expectations, reflecting strong instructional momentum.
➗ Math
Math achievement also improved in key grade levels:
Grade 3: +7.7%
Grade 4: +8.4%
Grade 5: +1.3%
Grade 6: +2.6%
Grade 8: +10.7%, one of the largest gains districtwide
Growth indicators highlight particularly strong results in Grades 4 and 8.
🧬 Keystone Exams
LASD exceeded state proficiency averages in all three Keystone subjects:
Algebra I: 69.6% (state 44.3%)
Biology: 72.6% (state 49.3%)
Literature: 68.1% (state 62.1%)
Growth measures for Algebra I and Biology showed “Well Above” performance.
🎓 Advanced Placement (AP)
AP results continue a strong upward trend:
Students scoring 3 or higher increased to 53.39% in 2025, up from 44.3% in 2021.
Participation and number of exams administered continue to rise.
Overall, the Annual Data Report reflects clear, measurable improvement across core subjects and assessments.
📄 Policy Review
The committee reviewed updates to several policies, including academic standards, curriculum, discrimination/harassment, extracurricular activities, student-initiated groups, athletics, admissions, and diabetes management. These updates help maintain alignment with PSBA recommendations and state requirements.
💙💛December 1 Reorganization Highlights💙💛
Newly elected board members took their oath of office.
The board voted to elect Mr. Lovell for Board President and Mrs. Ewen for Board Vice President.
Committees for the next calendar year are:
Finance Property & Supply (FP&S) Committee - Mr. Yerger (chair), Mr. Lovell, Mrs. Ewen, Ms. Baylis.
Curriculum, Co-Curriculum & Policy Committee - Mr. Lovell (chair), Mrs. Ressler, Mrs. M. Brennamen, Mrs. McCall.
💙💛December 1 Work Session Highlights💙💛
🏗️ Middle/High School Building Project Update - Mr. Tunney
No project update at this time.
🛡️ Pupil Services Update - Dr. Fiascki
Dr. Fiascki acknowledged the Littlestown Cyber Academy Student of the Month at Lincoln Edge Jacob Shifflet.
🛡️ Safety & Technology Update - Dr. Naylor
No update at this time.
📘 Curriculum Update - Dr. Berryman
Dr. Judy Berryman provided a curriculum update on structured literacy. Along with the passing of the state budget, new PA codes were passed on structured literacy (Act 135 passed in 2024). A snapshot of requirements to implement, with guidelines and timelines, over the next couple of years was provided. See the details here.
💵 Finance & Operations Update - Mr. Showvaker
Mr. Thomas Showvaker had no report at this time and noted he will save it for discussion on two December 8, 2025 agenda items from FP&S.
🛡️ Athletics Update - Mr. Alisauckas
Mr. Alisauckas stated the winter sports season officially begins December 2, 2025, and several of our teams have already participated in preseason scrimmages. He also noted that our new athletic entrance, door 4, is now officially open and is the required entry point for all athletic events. This entrance is fully ADA compliant and includes elevator access for individuals in need. In addition, many early season activities have already successfully taken place in our newly renovated Gold gym and the upgrades have significantly enhanced the environment for our athletics and spectators and feedback has been positive.
📋 Regular Meeting Preview
The Board reviewed the draft agenda for the December 8, 2025 Regular Meeting, which will include multiple items that the Board will consider for action.
⚡ Key Discussion Item:
The Board discussed:
Mr. Showvaker noted that the FP&S Committee decided to revisit additional parking at ACES at a future time when the district is looking at repaving our current spaces. .
The Capital Projects list - Part 2 which includes resurfacing and painting the ACES. playground and new carpet for the district office.
The elementary science STEELS pilot curriculum resource - this is not an approval to purchase, but to pilot to see if they like it. This will be aligned with the new STEEL standards.
MAMS and LHS 2026-2027 course guide changes - most of these changes are related to the merging of the middle school and high school, as well as 2 courses at the middle school related to STEEL standards. It was also noted that after the MS/HS merge, 8th graders will be eligible to take world language courses (Spanish & French), which opens up the possibility of a 5th year of a world language when they are seniors. We are starting with world language courses and will look to expand other courses in the future that seem natural for 8th graders to be able to take as well.
Study hall will be dropped and an intervention period (25-30 minutes) will be added for every student to get extra help from a teacher, time to take a missed test or assessment, etc…
🆕 New Business
Mrs. Ressler noted that the FP&S Committee has a finance board member on the committee and an educator board member on the CC&P Committee.
Mr. Lovell, Mrs. Ressler and Superintendent Moyer also noted that the rubber stamping comment during public comment about board member votes is false. Board members ask questions, have discussions and push back on requests as needed during committee and work session meetings.
💙💛December 8 Regular Meeting Highlights💙💛
🕊️ Board Acknowledgments
The Board acknowledged:
LHS ACTI students of the quarter (1 & 2) - Alivia Kuhns, Jaxon Weigle, Genevieve Armolt, Lillian Seymore.
Littlestown resident Aubrey Nicole made it to the finals on The Voice.
At the first Varsity wrestling match the LHS girls that sang the national anthem did a beautiful job.
The Junior high wrestling team took first place at their tournament.
🎓 Student Representative Reports
🏫 High School
FBLA is preparing their members for their performance, team and state events. The Regional Leadership Conference will be held on December 18th at York College.
The annual LHS FBLA Basket Auction began at the Littlestown Christmas on the Square event. Tickets will be sold during lunches and at evening sports events. 28 baskets are available to win and the community can find links to purchase tickets online on LHS social media posts and our website. Winners will be drawn on December 19th after lunches and winners will be contacted that afternoon.
A new FBLA fundraiser this year is the Holiday Bingo on December 13th in the LHS cafeteria. Doors open at 3:00pm. The cost per ticket is $20 and concessions will be available for purchase. Contact Dr. Lewis at LHS for tickets.
🏫 Middle School
MAMS is currently in the middle of pride value Inclusiveness, which means to include others, inviting them in and welcoming them with open arms.The next pride reward day will be in January.
MAMS tried a new fundraiser called Duck, duck, donut, which is a carnival-style game of chance. Students paid $1 to buy a rubber duck. 24 of the ducks were marked with an “X” and the lucky winners got 2 free donuts the following week.
Holiday spirit week
Monday - Pajama day
Tuesday - Holiday socks day
Wednesday -Ugly sweater day
Thursday - Holiday headgear day
Friday - Santa vs. Elves
After the new year, MAMS will hold a winter dance on January 23, 2026. The theme will be Enchanted Forest.
🎓 Student of the Month Recognition
The Board proudly recognized the November 2025 Students of the Month for their academic achievements, leadership, and outstanding representation of our Thunderbolt community:
Alloway Creek Elementary School (ACES):
Benjamin Hoffman (K), Estelle Sevison (3rd Grade)
Maple Avenue Middle School (MAMS):
Ava Clark (6th Grade)
Littlestown High School (LHS):
Sophia Smith (12th Grade), Kayden Welsh (12th Grade)
The Board congratulates these students for their hard work and positive contributions across their schools! ⚡
🏫 Building Principal Updates:
High School – Dr. Becker
Dr. Becker reflected on the math data shared at the last regular board meeting and wanted to congratulate the entire LHS staff. The data that was shared showed LHS leading Adams County on all three tested subjects, an achievement we should be proud of, especially with Algebra and Biology scores ranking the highest across both Adams and York county. Dr. Becker also congratulated the senior class that earned those great scores.
PVAAS - LHS Admin has been meeting with teachers to discuss results.
The next assessment season is underway, with students taking their second attempt at the Keystone Biology exam.
Dr. Becker thanked the cast and crew of the LHS play, Class Action, who did a great job.
The Minithon December fundraiser was Hair Dye December and raised over $500.
Middle School – Mrs. Golden
Mrs Golden did her report in the form of a Christmas poem, The 12 Days of Christmas, and there were no major updates at this time.
ACES – Mr. Moran
Mr. Moran thanked the PTO for the Holiday Shoppe.
He shared a physical copy of the new Kindergarten decodeable readers resource. It is phonics based and provides students practice with letter sound patterns. The words in the book are specifically chosen because they are predictable and can be sounded out by the reader based on what they have already been taught. Support focus is on comprehension and includes illustrations to aid comprehension.
Intervention work is being done for ELA for special education students, and math for grades 1-4 based on data from the 2024-2025 school year.
🏫 Thunderbolt Foundation - Mrs. Becker
Mrs. Becker noted that the Caring and Sharing program provided 144 pairs of shoes to 54 different families in our community. Every year they provide either a pair of snowboots or sneakers to every student on the list.
Mrs. Becker also indicated that the Thunderbolt Foundation and all the work they do will help attract our new Superintendent, by demonstrating how great our community is and how the foundation works with the district. A strong foundation:
Partnership with the school board shows and working together for the good of students..
Support of community and a culture that values education.
Provides funding for initiatives that go beyond the district’s budget.
Provide opportunities for Alumni to be a part of the community.
Brings positive news and help for the district.
🗳️ Agenda Voting Items
All agenda items were approved.
📄 To view all approved items, click here to view the 12/8/25 Board Briefs.
⚡ Key Discussion Items Before Voting
Livestream Equipment Proposal - Mr. Jacob Yealy and Mr. Aaron Burg presented a Logitech System in the amount of $3,639 for the school board to improve the livestreaming of our board meetings and stream them on Youtube.
Lobar contract for HVAC work uses the facility grant.
Mrs. Ewen thanked the anonymous donor and noted they have given on several occasions.
Ms.Baylis questioned the payment for ambulances at sporting events. Mr. Lovell stated it is contracted and board approved and we are contractually obligated to pay the bill.
Mr. Sullivan asked about the elementary STEEL grant pilot program. Mr. Moran noted that there is no cost to the district and it is just a pilot program to see if the teachers like the resource.
🏗️ Adams County Technical Institute - JOC Report - Mr. Yerger
Mr. Yerger highlighted the ACTI November Newsletter provided to the board and noted the list of potential new programs ACTI is looking to add. Mr. Yerger also noted that ACTI’s culinary program students offer a dinner, at least monthly, highlighting student menus. The current menu is dishes from Mexico. Visit the ACTI website for details, including the menu, date/time, tickets and pricing.
Mr. Yerger was elected to be the ACTI Liaison and Janell Ressler the alternate.
📄 PSBA Report - Mr. Lovell
No report at this time.
🧑🏫 Acting Superintendent Report – Dr. Moyer
Dr. Moyer noted the community should go to the LASD district website for 100% accurate and up-to-date information, rather than non-LASD social media platforms.
D. Moyer read excerpts from a December 5, 2025 Gettysburg Times article “Victory in Education” about recent charter school reforms.
In addition, he noted that the board will be meeting on December 9, 2025 for a board retreat to define board and Superintendent goals, as well as board governance training. Only 7 board members have responded that they will attend, with Mr. Sullivan and Ms. Baylis not responding to repeated requests. Mr. Sullivan indicated he would not attend and Ms. Baylis didn’t know.
🆕 New Business
Dr. Moyer noted minor changes to the Sunshine Act allowing for flexibility for items that no money is allocated for.
Mrs. Ewen asked the board to consider using at least $10,000 of the surplus towards field trips for students and if Sapphire can collect email addresses for the PTO.
Mr. Sullivan and Ms. Baylis asked for clarification regarding the $700,000 for ACTI. It was noted that $360,000 is from the 2024 tax increase ($180,000 for 2 years) and an additional $340,000 was added from last year’s surplus).
Mrs. Ressler noted that tonight was our voting meeting, and the majority of questions should have been asked last week at our work session meeting. She also noted that students should always be our priority and not personal attacks and agendas.
🗂️ View Full Meeting Materials
🔗 To listen to the full meetings and view all Board documents, visit:
https://www.lasd.k12.pa.us/page/2025-2026-board-documents
📅 Next Meeting
The next Meeting of the Committees of the School Board will be held on:
📍Tuesday, January 6, 2026 at 5:00PM in the Board Room.
✨ The Board remains committed to transparent communication, continuous improvement, and responsible stewardship of district resources - always with the success of every Littlestown student at the center of our work.