An upgrade to Youngsville Elementary School’s communication system isn’t going unchallenged by area residents.

Board members approved the purchase and installation of a new Rauland TCU paging system at Youngsville Elementary School. The upgrade, which includes improvements to the school’s PA and clock systems, was met with both support and opposition.

Local advocate Wendy Wilcox questioned the investment, urging the board to reconsider.

“If we are looking for a K-12 school, those funds can be pushed to the high school, which is the more logical choice,” Wilcox stated.

However, board members clarified that if future changes occur, the new system could be relocated. A kindergarten through 12th grade school in Youngsville isn’t being proposed now.

During the public comment session, residents voiced concerns over school district budget allocations. Annie Cook criticized the increase in central office staff, stating that previous boards had cut unnecessary positions to preserve smaller schools.

“The school budget has not only increased the amount of employees in the central office, but they have also taken over an entire school building to house their excessive high-salary administrative staff,” Cook argued.

Wilcox also spoke about the need for building improvements in Youngsville, emphasizing community support.

“If we were to save our building, there are improvements that would need to be done. You have ignored the building since 1985. We can fundraise the money for this. I also ask you to look into Grants for this. I promise you the community is 100 percent behind our children,” she said.

In other business:

– In another approval, the board signed an agreement with the Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh for a gifted learning enrichment trip to the Carnegie Museums of Art and Natural History. Funded by the Romayne Barrett Gifted Learning Enrichment, the trip aims to provide an educational experience for students. The agreement was made effective retroactively to February 14, 2025, as required by the museum.

– The Warren County School District has applied to be a host site for Remake Learning Days on May 10, 2025. This initiative, organized by the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh, is a celebration of innovative learning experiences that encourage creativity, perseverance, and curiosity in young learners.

Remake Learning Days is a festival of hands-on, engaging educational events for students of all ages, from pre-K through high school. These events are hosted by various organizations and are designed to provide relevant, interactive learning opportunities for students, families, caregivers, and educators.