[{"_1":2,"_112":-5,"_113":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6667615,"mediaKeyId","2257220-63c18afb1ab50635ceae9fe9497659e8","parentId",2257220,"title","Finance committee reviews contracts, E‑Rate fiber renewal and capital forecast as fund balance dips","audioSeconds",834,"startMs",3646000,"endMs",4480000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2257220-63c18afb1ab50635ceae9fe9497659e8&start=3646&end=4480","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2257220-63c18afb1ab50635ceae9fe9497659e8/thumbnail_3646000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6667615/Pennsylvania/Finance-committee-reviews-contracts-ERate-fiber-renewal-and-capital-forecast-as-fund-balance-dips","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6667615-313d9700223b11bfef00b101c3a24272/orig.mp4?Expires=1771195372&Signature=gEw1bXI3skTfcjun~~1QjgF7LASyxfTTkeaxSZRU9Zh5zyrF~fiG0XpuEpYNAVwICa9KIcia7eOVuhU9gHiwlCbhacKGzan~i87eIfUyF8OYbYhWQOul5iRUAYf0bbijY5c6eJZqg7hxyFxajcIKXHTxaaLBxSLWZc0YHEBtmatUdFpk-ejxmgvE40Zy1Ef6kwd1OOY9a6qTRXT6QW1tAxcmwPf-PyxXn2VQVGxV94ekS5OD2uaz3OmSuo2wbxyGRzDYLpuAVUIiNuWAUsHDGhhjtTzcouVNKKPThJt-3uUtIeWu9~xzQV-oFwZt7jg9deIGqU-Rb358841aA51vSw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Pennridge School District","date","2025-02-11T08:15:28.79Z","article","Pennridge SD’s finance committee on Feb. 10 reviewed vendor contracts, bid plans and a multi‑year budget forecast that showed capital reserves drawn down after two large years of projects and continuing pressure on operating revenues amid rising personnel costs.

Contracts and procurement: Sean (district contracts presenter) reviewed five contracts brought forward in committee materials: LearnWell (educational services) at $59.75 per hour for identified students; Huntington Creek Recovery Center for educational services at $37.25 per hour (parent district will pay placement costs); a Central Middle School field trip to the Reading Fightin Phils on May 27 (parent pay; cost shown as $2,090); a graduation rental for seating (vendor name referenced but rental cost not specified in excerpt); and a Crown Castle Fiber renewal for the district’s wide area network at $10,800 per month (the district noted the contract was bid through the federal E‑Rate process and Crown Castle was the sole responsive bidder). Committee members asked whether the fiber contract covered installed fiber or service only and were told the renewal is for WAN services and maintenance; about half of the WAN cost is expected to be E‑Rate funded.

RFPs and upcoming bids: the committee previewed planned solicitations for music instruments and equipment, art supplies, technology supplies and equipment (for career/tech programs), transportation supplies and equipment (including bus parts), and facilities supplies/services. The district said it uses state contracts and IU bids where possible but runs its own solicitations for items not available through those vehicles.

Capital projects and fund balance: the finance presentation reviewed recent capital outlays and fund balance impacts. The district reported it began the 2024–25 year with a capital projects balance that has fallen after two large spending years; projected year‑end capital fund balance for 2023–24 was cited at about $5.8 million. The district expects a transfer of roughly $6.1 million into capital as part of the 2024–25 budget plan (a one‑time transfer tied to prior financing changes), which would increase the capital balance in 2024–25 to approximately $8.3 million after planned summer expenditures of about $3.6 million. Committee members discussed a longer‑term placeholder capital need of about $9.4 million that will be reviewed with facilities planning consultants.

Budget forecast and drivers: the business administrator reviewed the general fund results for 2023–24, noting revenue variance and expenditure overages tied largely to salary and benefit settlements that were settled after the budget was adopted. The presentation showed a projected increase in total expenditures driven primarily by salaries and benefits (the committee reviewed contract costs and projected increases for teacher and support staff contracts). Committee members heard that rising salary and benefit costs coupled with a slowing of revenue growth — including changes in state funding indexing — will create continued budgetary pressure over the multi‑year forecast.

Who spoke: Sean (contracts), the business administrator (budget and capital presentation), committee members including board members who asked about bids and E‑Rate funding, and Craig (operations) on facilities planning.

Ending: The committee reviewed the materials and asked staff to continue developing bid specifications, capital plans and a multi‑year operating forecast to present during the formal budget process. Several items (Crown Castle renewal, RFP issuance, summer capital projects) were described as needing board action or procurement steps in the coming weeks.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Monday, February 10th, 2025 - PSD School Board Committee Meeting - Personnel/Finance/Facilities","oneSentenceSummary","The finance committee reviewed five contracts including a Crown Castle fiber renewal at $10,800/month (E‑Rate eligible), discussed outgoing capital expenditures that reduced the capital fund balance to an estimated $5.8M, and heard a multi‑year budget forecast showing pressure from rising salary/benefit costs and reduced revenue growth.","taxTitle","Pennridge SD, School Districts, Pennsylvania","taxId",51485,"location","Pennsylvania","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6667620,"Bucks County IU seeks Pennridge SD approval for $2.2M programs and services budget; district share about $81K",1054,2616000,3670000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2257220-63c18afb1ab50635ceae9fe9497659e8&start=2616&end=3670","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2257220-63c18afb1ab50635ceae9fe9497659e8/thumbnail_2616000.jpg","/articles/6667620/Pennsylvania/Bucks-County-IU-seeks-Pennridge-SD-approval-for-22M-programs-and-services-budget-district-share-about-81K","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6667620-4814e742d451eec14b0287fe0f6c67e5/orig.mp4?Expires=1771195372&Signature=ZRXeUiSRi00OnWfdWn~Ius4GHPzsbJUcM6Kp-VJqW6TYaAfhEk2HQaT-Xrs9sx-Yft4bfxCpJNLmJOM~4zLQ9tmlp4UDmzb-nEGlcaF0-y-lvc8A-x7yIA5y5Em1op3B8lA8nrK2IxHw8XCxKul6HLMw7dPd2Eb-~FmVeTlYwNbW6Sph6-feBJMZ2mI685mNIcOfDqlYmL~epjae8BnBBjpgjOb-zZmAiCsSB61FlLnqOv9INjnM~cjlStce~ovxjx-LCA2wcI9vBHpac85IB8MnYStgagh7QhhqPabLrlXT2G~K81wJWPV4nyTEBte8DYZ2vGRZJhr2Wbly8K9Btw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Pennridge finance committee on Feb. 10 heard a presentation from Dr. Rachel Holler of the Bucks County Intermediate Unit (IU) on the IU’s programs and services budget that member school districts are asked to approve annually under state school code.

Dr. Holler, assistant executive director for the Bucks IU’s programs and services division, told the committee the IU’s comprehensive budget is substantially larger but that the programs and services budget presented for district approval is a relatively small slice — about $2.2 million for 2025–26. She said the programs and services budget covers consultative supports, advisory councils, professional development, STEAM and the IU’s mobile fabrication lab visits, among 11 major service categories the IU offers to member districts.

Pennridge’s contribution and context: Dr. Holler said Pennridge SD’s assessed contribution to that programs and services budget would be roughly $81,000, or about 3.7% of the programs and services total. She outlined that the programs and services line is typically funded about half by participating districts and half through entrepreneurial services, federal and state funds.

Why it matters: the IU is required by Pennsylvania school code to seek approval from a majority of its member districts for the programs and services budget; Dr. Holler said the IU expects districts to approve the item in February so the IU can adopt the full comprehensive budget at its April meeting and file required materials with the Pennsylvania Department of Education.

Representative services: Dr. Holler highlighted everyday consultative services such as on‑site support for gifted programming, the leadership development fellowship (used by Pennridge in prior years), STEAM assistance and the mobile fab lab that visits Pennridge elementary schools. She described advisory councils and principal/assistant principal consortiums as routine supports the IU provides across Bucks County.

Who spoke: Dr. Rachel Holler (assistant executive director, Bucks County Intermediate Unit) presented; finance committee members asked clarification questions and expressed support for the IU’s services.

Ending: Dr. Holler requested the district’s approval of the programs and services budget; the committee discussed but did not record a formal vote in committee minutes excerpted in the presentation. The IU plans to seek the required majority of district approvals before finalizing its comprehensive budget in April.","Dr. Rachel Holler presented the Bucks County Intermediate Unit programs and services budget to the finance committee and asked member boards to approve a $2.2 million programs budget for 2025–26; Pennridge SD’s assessed share is about $81,000 (3.7%).",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6667624,"Pennridge SD to guarantee interviews for graduates, expand summer and coop hiring; launches targeted transportation recruitment",562,1513000,2075000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2257220-63c18afb1ab50635ceae9fe9497659e8&start=1513&end=2075","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2257220-63c18afb1ab50635ceae9fe9497659e8/thumbnail_1513000.jpg","/articles/6667624/Pennsylvania/Pennridge-SD-to-guarantee-interviews-for-graduates-expand-summer-and-coop-hiring-launches-targeted-transportation-recruitment","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6667624-9ccea96c092d21c267d042a64bb89fc4/orig.mp4?Expires=1771195372&Signature=eZ~FQZyi5HJXAoF8OpFZMC5LLRB3QljDNXlxTbZAgFKSLRaifGC7UinBJV-3MEfZMtBvUmVASIf3hWpJAGB11A~mjR~w9SPi1oQ-B2Uswn9DghBRhE7gS00p3dkrQmIlmmRH8h1uJ6WJPYAVjTr0fFUSRRFXHUpTpKszL50yPf9HvdAREMmAjkYCkGiOgAI2HPesBjPbUWE-r0SLCAULidABnJYOrvUwP6j~0nHVt-cQgPH90Mf~Ms2tniEmVsLDfAz3TmyCmwpSBMt~sdijT7gOEGtaZypYRnKNMFqwvhpUCA29UJ-58HjHibmeq7RbRdProNTsEWbYLKe6KJC6hw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Pennridge SD’s human resources department on Feb. 10 outlined a series of hiring and recruitment initiatives meant to expand the local workforce pipeline, encourage district graduates to return as employees and address chronic bus‑driver shortages.

Tara Mossman, human resources presenter, told the personnel committee the district will begin guaranteeing a first‑round interview to applicants who identify themselves as Pennridge SD graduates on their applications beginning March 2025. The guarantee applies to qualified openings; Mossman clarified that applicants without required credentials for a professional position (for example, teacher certification) will not qualify for an interview for that specific role but may be offered other openings such as teaching assistant positions.

Summer and coop opportunities: Mossman said departments with summer openings include technology (about eight summer technology hires), custodial (around 10 summer custodians), maintenance (about three maintenance helpers) and nutritional services (a new opportunity estimated at five positions to support ESY food service). The district is also pursuing a potential co‑op partnership with Upper Bucks Technical School to enable Pennridge students enrolled in trades programs (HVAC, electrical, plumbing) to complete co‑op placements in district facilities; that effort was described as early stage and under discussion with the tech school.

Recruiting events and screening: Mossman announced a Pennridge job fair scheduled for May 20, 2025, to include open interviews and on‑site application support; college recruitment outreach is also planned to Moravian, Millersville, Penn State and Temple University in the spring. The HR department will operate monthly \"late Mondays\" on nights with board meetings to accept volunteer clearances for parents who cannot drop them off during regular business hours.

Transportation hiring: committee members discussed a targeted transportation job fair and paid CDL training to attract bus drivers. Mossman said the district will hire candidates initially as van drivers or bus aides so they can work while obtaining their CDL; the district will pay for CDL training. The committee confirmed van drivers must be 21 because of working with children.

Dashboard and staffing metrics: Mossman reviewed the HR dashboard covering mid‑December to late January. She said the district posted 66 positions fiscal‑year to date and filled 9 (fiscal year to date), reported about 820 employees on benefits coverage, 12 retirements in the December–January reporting period and 35 resignations year‑to‑date. She noted that retirement figures will rise in the next dashboard because retirements became effective Feb. 1 and will be reflected in the following report.

Who spoke: Tara Mossman (Human Resources), committee members including Mr. Barrios and Mr. Bramble (committee members who asked operational questions), and various administrators who provided hiring counts.

Ending: Many of the initiatives are operational and already scheduled (job fairs, summer hiring activities); the coop with Upper Bucks Technical School was described as exploratory with more details to follow as conversations continue.","Human resources outlined new recruitment initiatives including guaranteed first‑round interviews for Pennridge graduates starting March 2025, summer work opportunities across departments, outreach to Upper Bucks Technical School for co‑op placements, district job fairs (May 20) and a targeted bus driver hiring program with paid CDL training.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6667629,"Pennridge SD officials recommend major premium increase as medical, drug claims surge",1450,157000,1607000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2257220-63c18afb1ab50635ceae9fe9497659e8&start=157&end=1607","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2257220-63c18afb1ab50635ceae9fe9497659e8/thumbnail_157000.jpg","/articles/6667629/Pennsylvania/Pennridge-SD-officials-recommend-major-premium-increase-as-medical-drug-claims-surge","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6667629-b4bc944bfe48045839f5aa836b611456/orig.mp4?Expires=1771195372&Signature=fgXEZiTwnVrsg3IwtyMut182k679Rk~RwqRwTjInNwZYWCPAVKVWHvtqD~qE7NyYnlj5AFvv-SGzN~QoyCyLL3NiTVCy8~6wPVQzX9B9yU3SdiMrFhC6xAoDdpczg03FOhW4Di4syoQTl1nlJ75lmjW2frBT1YdSpcmzsroOo~HgV-yuKH2uhVNOpHUxJkIlesv3wM7GDpdOacQzbcqjWTrQBAQKM15txy0kpMZGOUtQuiA13Man~AT6Q6HKOjVkikRLCR7lBYgG0j5-jRssL2w1Ob0hfhDziQDU0-O7fwPmHSuzCLwVptMy-1t38KL5-PdTnZxN1PzOPIuNx7PGFQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Pennridge SD officials on Feb. 10 presented a benefits review projecting large increases in health-care costs for the 2025–26 plan year and recommended raising employee premiums to cover most, but not all, of the projected rise.

The personnel committee heard from a consultant, Mr. Pye of Conrad Segal, who said Pennridge’s 12‑month rolling, stop‑loss–adjusted medical claims per contract per month were $1,072.69 through November 2024 — about a 21% increase from the prior 12 months — and that prescription trends were about 17% over the same period. \"When we compare the $1,072.69, the most recent 12 months to the prior 12 months ... the change ... has been approximately 21% in medical claim cost increase,\" Mr. Pye told the committee.

Why it matters: the consultant said combined medical and prescription claim cost increases approach roughly 20% year‑over‑year for Pennridge SD, driven by both a small number of very high medical claims (including one over $1 million and several in the hundreds of thousands) and rapidly rising spending on GLP‑1 drugs — medications used for diabetes and weight loss such as Ozempic and Wegovy. Mr. Pye said a $15,000 per‑year price tag for those drugs, even after rebates, can materially push prescription spending upward.

Nut graf — what the district proposed: based on the claim trends and other fixed fees (administrative services, stop‑loss premiums), district staff recommended the personnel committee forward an employee premium increase of 18.5% for medical and prescription coverage beginning July 1, 2025, while COBRA rates would be increased to approximately 23.5% (the consultant characterized the 23% figure as the percentage needed to reflect total projected cost). Tara Mossman, human resources, and Christine Batisky, personnel committee chair, said the committee will present the benefit chart and the recommended rates to the full board for a formal vote; committee materials indicated the chart will be used during open enrollment.

Details and context: Mr. Pye said Pennridge’s group has about 820 enrolled contracts (actives and retirees) and that stop‑loss protection is in place with a specific deductible noted in committee discussion at $225,000. He described the financial dynamics of stop‑loss reimbursements — some years returning far more than premiums paid, other years less — and said medium‑sized claims below the stop‑loss threshold can nonetheless push up year‑to‑year trends. The district’s stop‑loss carrier is preparing for renewal and is collecting additional data from Independence Blue Cross and CVS.

Costs to the district: Mossman said moving employee rates to the recommended 18.5% increase would still cost the district about $1.5 million from the general fund next year as the district bridges to the higher true cost. Mossman described the district’s health fund balance as “relatively healthy,” noting it covers roughly eight months of expected claims and that the fund balance is about $11–$12 million (figures discussed in committee). The district said it plans to phase increases to avoid depleting reserves quickly.

Prescription drivers: Mr. Pye said GLP‑1 medications are a major driver of the prescription trend across many school districts he consults with. He noted Pennridge receives rebates from its prescription contract that help offset costs — for very high cost drugs rebates can be about one‑third of the list price — but widespread uptake for weight‑loss and diabetes indications has raised spending.

What was decided and next steps: the personnel committee agreed to present the recommended rates and the benefit chart to the full school board. Committee members discussed that the 18.5% recommendation intentionally leaves employee rates about 5 percentage points below the actuarial target to allow a phased approach rather than immediate full catch‑up. The committee scheduled the board vote on the rate change; staff indicated new premiums will be shared with employees during open enrollment materials if the board approves them.

Who spoke: Christine Batisky, chair of the personnel committee; Tara Mossman, human resources; Mr. Pye, benefits consultant (Conrad Segal); Jim (staff member credited with noticing data); plus other committee members who asked clarifying questions.

Ending note: committee materials and the consultant emphasized uncertainty: actual 2025–26 trends could differ materially, and the district will monitor stop‑loss and prescription data in the coming months to refine renewal assumptions.","A benefits consultant told the personnel committee that Pennridge SD's medical claims rose about 21% year-over-year and prescription costs rose about 17%, driven in part by GLP-1 drugs; administrators proposed an 18.5% employee premium increase and a 23.5% COBRA increase to close the gap before the district board vote.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Finance committee reviews contracts, E‑Rate fiber renewal and capital forecast as fund balance dips

Bucks County IU seeks Pennridge SD approval for $2.2M programs and services budget; district share about $81K

Pennridge SD to guarantee interviews for graduates, expand summer and coop hiring; launches targeted transportation recruitment

Pennridge SD officials recommend major premium increase as medical, drug claims surge