Ephrata school board discusses increasing funding for Lancaster-Lebanon Intermediate Unit 13

Ephrata board committee reviews $1.031M instructional media budget for Lancaster-Lebanon IU13

At its April 13 committee meeting, the Ephrata Area school board discussed a proposed $1.031 million instructional media services budget from the Lancaster‑Lebanon Intermediate Unit 13 (IU13) that would represent a 2.28% increase in IU13 expenditures for the coming school year. Under the proposal, Ephrata’s share would rise by $341, from $32,727 to $33,068.

"The board game club will help students stay connected with school in a positive way while also learning skills of collaboration, strategy, numeracy, and literacy," wrote adviser Penn Miller in the club application included in the district packet.

The IU13 instructional media services budget covers a range of supports for districts, according to the proposal packet reviewed by the committee. Those services include instructional media and materials, digital resources, courier services among schools and consultation in training and instructional technology integration. Matthew Stem, executive director for IU13, noted in a letter included with the proposal that the $1.031 million figure reflects a 2.28% overall increase in expenditures for the unit next year.

Under the line-item breakdown provided to the Ephrata board, the district’s incremental increase — $341 — adjusts Ephrata’s contribution from $32,727 to $33,068. The committee discussion focused on whether to approve the higher IU13 allocation as part of the district’s upcoming budget decisions.

• Budget proposed: $1.031 million instructional media services for IU13
• Stated increase: 2.28% in IU13 expenditures, per Matthew Stem
• Ephrata contribution: rising from $32,727 to $33,068 — a $341 increase

The board packet also included two extracurricular items for consideration. The secondary schools will consider creating a new Board Game Club at Ephrata High School and disbanding the middle school Equestrian Club. Middle school Principal Christopher Montagna submitted a request to disband the Equestrian Club, stating the club no longer meets, per the request form in the district board packet.

Details for the proposed Board Game Club indicate it would meet after school for one hour per week throughout the full school year, with an anticipated 10 to 15 participants and no officers or leadership positions. Penn Miller emphasized the club’s expected benefits for student engagement and skill development in the application.

The school board is scheduled to vote on the IU13 funding request and the club actions at its voting meeting on April 27 at 7 p.m. The meeting will be held at Highland Elementary School, 99 Highland Ave., Ephrata. Board members will decide whether to adopt the IU13 instructional media services budget as proposed and whether to approve the new Board Game Club and the disbanding of the middle school Equestrian Club.