SHARON SCHOOLS Board will cut budget

Officials are trying to cut the budget so the shortfall doesn't turn into a tax increase.
By HAROLD GWIN
VINDICATOR SHARON BUREAU
SHARON, Pa. -- The school board is looking at an $830,000 shortfall in revenue as it works on its 2003-04 budget, which takes effect July 1.
The board voted 8-0 Wednesday with Lora Adams-King absent to introduce a tentative spending plan totaling $22,902,722, which reflects a 6.94 percent spending increase, said Melvin Bandzak, board president.
However, projected revenues total only $22,071,950, leaving the board scrambling to cut spending to reduce the $830,000 shortfall.
"There will be cuts in programs and staff and a tax increase," Bandzak said.
No specifics
School officials wouldn't be specific about what programs might be cut, how many staff could lose their jobs or how much of a tax increase is likely, but Bandzak did say the revenue shortfall is the equivalent of an 8.5-mill property tax increase.
One mill generates about $98,000 in revenue and costs the average residential taxpayer $15 a year. An 8.5-mill increase would cost the average taxpayer $127 more a year. The current millage stands at 44.
However, that 8.5 mills isn't expected to stand as the board continues work on the budget and further cuts and revisions are made, he said.
Dr. Donna DeBonis, superintendent, said the board is trying to reduce staff through attrition but that some layoffs are likely. She declined to offer a number.
Program cuts will be determined by a number of factors, including demand for specific courses, she said, declining to identify at this point what courses might be in jeopardy.
There are a number of large spending increases facing the district that can't be cut, Bandzak said.
They include a $650,000 jump in health-care costs, a $245,000 increase in tuition payments to other schools (primarily charter schools being attended by Sharon pupils), a $268,000 increase in debt service payments, a $229,000 jump in employee retirement fund contributions and $55,000 in higher utility and insurance costs.
There are other proposed increases in spending as well, Bandzak said, noting the board and administration have already cut $1 million to get to the tentative budget figure.
"By no means that's the final budget," said Director Rick Mancino, who said he only voted for the tentative spending plan because the board is required to introduce one.
A final budget vote will come in June.
Driver's ed fee
One programming change that will definitely occur is charging a fee for the driving portion of driver education instruction. Pupils get it free now but will pay $25 for the class, based on a proposal expected to be approved by the board Monday. About 100 pupils take the course annually.
The board is also expected to approve an increase in adult tickets for all athletic events.
The $3 price for adults for single games will go to $4 and the senior citizen price will rise from $1 to $2. Student tickets remain at $1.
Football season tickets will go up from $12 to $15 for adults, and season basketball tickets will rise from $27 to $30. Senior citizen season passes will go from $2.50 each for football and basketball to $5 each.