COLUMBIA SPY

Lancaster County public schools could see cuts to nearly $55 million in federal funding if President-elect Donald Trump succeeds in his promise to eliminate the U.S. Department of Education. Most public school districts in Pennsylvania receive a slice of the $762 million in Title I money sent to the state, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, much of which is intended to support students in underperforming school districts. Maura McInerney, legal director at the Education Law Center, said slashing funding would be "like pulling the rug out from under" public schools that have for decades relied on federal Title I to provide extra support and services to hundreds of thousands of low-income students in Pennsylvania. MORE: https://lancasteronline.com/news/politics/trumps-plan-to-dissolve-education-department-could-slash-55m-in-lancaster-county-schools-funding/article_c6a6e492-d455-11ef-ac2c-bf193e1fe016.html  

 

https://buckscountybeacon.com/2025/01/texas-businesswoman-wants-to-open-ai-driven-teacherless-cyber-charter-school-in-pennsylvania/  

https://lancaster.crimewatchpa.com/columbiapd/10552/arrests/robinson-dashawn-damien-theft-gun-and-2-additional-charges  

 

When: Columbia Borough school board meeting, Jan. 7. What happened: The school board accepted the resignation of Taylor Middle School principal Erin Birk. Background: Birk's resignation, which was submitted Jan. 3, is effective Feb. 28. Birk began her career in education in 2010 as a school psychologist at Hempfield School District, serving in the position for nearly a decade. She then became an assistant principal in Manheim Township School District, serving in the role for over three years. She came to Columbia in December 2022. Next steps: Interested candidates are encouraged to apply through the school district's website or by contacting the district office. MORE: https://lancasteronline.com/news/regional/taylor-middle-school-principal-in-columbia-borough-resigns/article_bb6f62bc-d369-11ef-914a-9b603c183fb7.html  

  Justin Odell Freshwater The following information is based on an Affidavit of Probable Cause: Re: Shooting Incident on January 15, 2025 Defendant: Justin Odell Freshwater On Wednesday, January 15, 2025, Columbia Police officers responded to a reported shooting in the 100 block of South 4th Street, Columbia Borough, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. Initial reports indicated an adult male had sustained gunshot wounds to the arm. Investigation Details: Initial Response: - Officers discovered Victim #1 with two gunshot wounds to the left arm. - The victim was treated on scene by EMS and transported to Lancaster General Hospital. - Two spent Hornady 9mm shell casings were recovered at 400 block of Avenue K near South Fourth Street intersection. Suspect Identification and Apprehension: - Witness #1 identified the shooter as Justin Freshwater (18 YOM). - Officers located Freshwater and a 17-year-old juvenile male in an apartment on the 100 block of South 4th Street. - Both individuals we...