Hempfield Area school administrators will have to cut an estimated $2.3 million in expenses just to get below the district's inflation-based index of 3.56 mills.
Early studies of the 2008-09 budget show that the district will face increases in several major categories: $1.1 million in special education services, $800,000 in debt service, $400,000 for building and grounds, and $110,000 for tuition for young teachers pursuing graduate degrees, among other higher expenses.
The budget outlook could hinder renovation plans for Wendover Middle School and Stanwood Elementary that some board members say are long overdue.
"I will tell you, when we start getting under 3.56 (mills, there will be) very, very deep cuts," Business Manager Peggy Gillespie told the school board at a special meeting Monday night. "You will see some very unpopular things."
Under the Taxpayer Relief Act, Hempfield would need voter approval in the spring primary or a special exception from the state Department of Education to impose a millage rate above the inflation-based index.
However, some board members said they wouldn't even support a tax increase as high as 3.56 mills.
"You will not see a 3.56 (mill) vote come out of my mouth," Director Tim Miller said.
Director Sonya Brajdic said she wants to avoid last year's "fiasco" in which administrators brought recommendations to the board that were scuttled late in the budget process.
One of those suggestions from last year -- which was briefly mentioned last night -- was a proposal to impose fees on student-athletes.
Director Diane Ciabattoni said the board members will have to be realistic about the budget and recognize some of the items that matter to them will be affected.
"We have to be prepared for things that are going to hurt each one of us," she said.
The board asked administrators to try to determine how many teachers and administrators might be eligible for retirement packages.
Also last night, the board discussed its options for renovating Wendover and Stanwood.
Superintendent Terry Foriska said the district's administrators recommend using the $19 million available bond money to renovate Stanwood, but some directors were skeptical that the cost would remain around the $16.5 million estimate previously given by a consultant.
Last year, the district discarded a renovation plan for Wendover because the bids came in at about $23 million -- about $7 million higher than the board expected.
Meanwhile, Hempfield spent $1 million in preparations for the project, but has been unable to recoup about $400,000 in reimbursements because the district has no project to show for it.
Larger text
Smaller text
Print this article
E-mail this article
