South Fayette School Board works toward minimizing tax impact
South Fayette Township School Board during its May 24 meeting grappled with numbers for the proposed final budget for the 2016-17 school year.
After reviewing adjustments to the district’s workers’ compensation insurance, which will save the district nearly $40,000, the board reviewed the proposed budget, seeking to reduce expenditures to minimize a tax increase.
Concessions were made in the decisions to postpone hiring a new high school computer science teacher and delaying sidewalk reconstruction in front of the elementary school. New uniforms for the high school and middle school cheerleaders will cost less than initially projected, also reducing expenditures.
“We need to go back and trim it again,” Teresa Burroughs, board vice president, said about the amount the district plans to spend. “We have some big numbers here and we have to increase taxes again and the millage is going to go up. We have to cut the budget.”
The district’s current tax rate is 26.1168 mills, meaning property owners pay $2,611.88 per year for every $100,000 of assessed value.
Also on May 24:
• The board voted unanimously to promote David Deramo from middle school principal to assistant superintendent. Michael Loughead, now in the latter role, is leaving after five years to become superintendent of Hampton Township School District.
Deramo thanked board members for their support.
“Obviously, I’m taking over big shoes for Dr. Loughead and prior to him Dr. Ravita,” he said, also referring to the late Mary Ravita, former assistant superintendent of curriculum, assessment and instruction. “I understand what that challenge means. I look forward to working hard.”
Deramo said he believes hard work is the key to success, recalling the sentiments of high school senior Mike Carr, who was recognized by the school board at the start of last night’s meeting for his achievement in winning the WPIAL and state wresting championships in his weight class. Carr and his coaches credit hard work, even through injury, for his success.
• National Merit Scholarship recipient Eric Song was honored at the meeting. He and Cara Price, who was not in attendance, won the prestigious award.
“Don’t feel like there’s anything stopping you,” Song said as advice to the graduating high school seniors. Commencement is June 3.