$4.6M Shortfall in Approved Preliminary Colonial School Budget
The 2013-14 budget currently has a $7.6 million increase over the approved 2012-2013 document.
The Colonial School Board unanimously approved a preliminary budget on Feb. 14 with a $7.6 million increase over last year's budget, leaving a $4.6 million shortfall to cut down before the final budget is approved in June.
The budget is just over $103 million, a 8.06 percent increase over this year’s budget. The largest budgetary increase is instruction, which increased $5.2 million, and support services, which increased just under $1.5 million between the 12-13 approved budget and the 13-14 preliminary budget.
Based on Act 1 legislation passed in 2006, the school district is only permitted to increase the real estate tax rate by 1.7 percent without a referendum. However, districts are permitted to apply for various exceptions that allow them to increase taxes more than the Act 1 index.
Colonial School District Business Administrator Trevor Jackson said that the district hopes to be granted an exception regarding an increased retirement contribution, which would allow the board to increase the tax rate by 2.9 percent without referendum.
Last month, the district presented a plan on “proactive” fundraising sources, including advertising in school venues.
For more information on the budget process:
Colonial SB to Fill $4.6 Million Deficit with 'Proactive' Fundraising
joanne mamrosch
7:58 am on Friday, February 22, 2013
Colonial School Distrist just passed a new budget with an increase. Did they even try to cut spending?
Alan Tabachnick
8:21 am on Friday, February 22, 2013
This is a preliminary budget that is just the first step in the evolution of the final budget. The District is evaluating all aspects of the budget across the board, including expenditures and revenue. Preserving our quality programming in a fiscally responsible manner is our approach. The budget will continue to be refined through a thoughtful and open process over the next three months. We will continue to update the community on our progress and welcome everyone's ideas and participation.
Brittany Tressler
9:25 am on Friday, February 22, 2013
Joanne, this article provides a closer look at the district's budgetary process. The board held a town hall meeting late last month on the subject - http://plymouthwhitemarsh.patch.com/articles/colonial-sb-talks-budget-proactive-sources-of-funding
Lionel Hutz
9:11 am on Monday, February 25, 2013
How much additional revenue would be generated by a 1.7% r.e. tax increase? By a 2.9% increase? How much projected revenue from the "proactive fundraising"?
Jim mckenzie
5:05 pm on Monday, February 25, 2013
A $103 million budget for 4722 students would amount to over $21,000 per student. That amount is greater than many private schools.