Questions answered but tension remains among supervisors, school board members

by Jackie Nunnery

HEATHSVILLE—Although billed as a budget meeting, much of what was discussed at the Thursday, May 5, joint special meeting among Northumberland supervisors, school board members, and administrators had little to do with the 2023 fiscal year budget, which must be approved by June 30.

During a roughly two-hour presentation, school superintendent Dr. Holly Wargo and director of finance Jason Bellows went through a wide-ranging list of questions from supervisors, detailing grant funding and employees by position type to membership dues paid to professional organizations.

On behalf of the school board, member Denise Mazyck said they have “always had an open-door policy to address questions or concerns of the supervisors or any other citizen.” She said the members “all appreciate the opportunity to discuss or clarify any questions or concerns” and are accessible by email, phone or in person and that information, including the budget, is readily available.

Mazyck also noted that both the supervisors and the county treasurer are supplied monthly updates and….