USC School District working to reduce budget costs
Despite uncertainties with Pennsylvania’s state budget, Upper St. Clair officials are still working at reducing costs in their annual school budget.
During the USC Board of School Directors April 25 regular meeting, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Patrick O’Toole and Finance Director Frosina Cordisco presented an update on the proposed 2016-17 budget.
A proposed 1.3033 mill tax increase should generate an additional $2,792,951. For homeowners, the effect of the millage increase per $200,000 assessed value would be a $261 increase in taxes.
Since the board’s April 12 proposed budget presentation, projected revenue has dropped from $76,203,330 to $76,183,919, due to lower PSERS and FICA.
Projected expenses for 2016-17 have been reduced from $77,151,851 to $77,002,660, primarily due to salary adjustments. With these changes, the budget shortfall has been reduced from $948,521 to $818,741.
Dr. O’Toole commented that for the long-term financial health of the district, they are looking at ways to have a sustainable workforce in the future, especially in light of pension costs that are over 30 percent.
Also discussed was the option of entering a lease agreement for new turf at the high school stadium. By entering into a seven-year lease, with payments of $85,000 per year, Cordisco said the district could preserve its capital money over the next two years.
The proposed lease with PNC for approximately $545,000, which includes the contract for turf and architect fees, has an interest rate of 2.75 percent.
The budget will continue to be refined until final budget adoption in June. The proposed final budget deadline is May 16, and final budget approval is expected on June 21.
In other business, the board recognized the music department for receiving the NAMM Foundation’s Best Communities for Music Education Designation. Upper St. Clair is one of only 10 school districts in Allegheny County, 63 in Pennsylvania and 476 from across the country to earn the distinction in 2016.
Don Pickell, performing arts curriculum leader and band director, thanked the board and administration for their support of the music program and recognized the music department staff.