Intelligencer Journal/Lancaster New Era

L-S explores new hires to help save money
BY CINDY HUMMEL, Correspondent

Lampeter-Strasburg residents learned last May their district could save $300,000 by bringing an Intermediate Unit 13 special education class back to campus.

Now, taxpayers may find further savings if the district hires its own speech and language therapists.

The school board on Monday agreed to a letter of intent to begin the process.

Superintendent Kevin Peart said the measure must be explored before any decisions are made. No savings estimates were given.

By providing classes directly and hiring appropriate staff, L-S could save fees paid to IU 13 to educate some students with special needs, Peart said.

In other news, the district will hold a community engagement meeting on March 25 in the high school cafeteria. Peart said anyone can attend the meeting in which participants break into small groups to discuss questions posed by the district.

Other school districts, including Conestoga Valley and Solanco, have found similar meetings worthwhile. More details will be announced closer to the event, Peart said.

In other business, the board agreed to continue a cyber program contract with IU 13's Lancaster Lebanon Virtual Solutions.

Lester Stoltzfus, L-S director of technology, said a two-year contract expires in June. The new contract will extend the agreement for another three years.

The board also:

n Approved a three-year sponsorship agreement for the varsity baseball field with Strasburg Family Eye-care. Peart said a windscreen with the business logo would be placed at the top of the bleachers.

n Learned the high school will raise money for Emelie Good and Hunter Mentzer, L-S graduates who were critically injured in a Jan. 26 Strasburg fire. High school representative David Griffith said many students know Good and Mentzer. A collection jar will be placed in the cafeteria for donations, which will be given to the Good and Mentzer families.

n Announced its workshop will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 19, at 7:30 p.m. The meeting will take place a day later than normal because of Presidents Day.