South Fayette School District presents $818K budget proposal for facilities and maintenance

Budget discussions took center stage at the South Fayette Township School District Board Meeting on March 25, 2025, with significant increases proposed across various departments, highlighting the ongoing challenges of rising costs in maintenance and supplies.

The grounds budget is set to increase by $35,745, driven primarily by a $15,000 rise in snow plowing services and a $21,745 increase in repair and maintenance costs. Key projects include essential concrete repairs at the middle school and playground refinishing at the elementary school to ensure student safety. The lawn care service will also see a $9,500 hike due to a new five-year contract.

In the maintenance budget, a notable increase of $66,345 is proposed for replacement equipment, which includes critical updates like heat pumps and flooring in middle school classrooms. The board is also preparing for upcoming bids for trash and recycling services, anticipating a 7% increase in disposal costs.

The custodial budget reflects a modest increase of $7,000, primarily for general supplies, while the transportation budget is projected to rise by $44,602. This increase is attributed to soaring parts prices and a new service truck purchase, alongside a decrease in diesel fuel costs thanks to a favorable contract secured earlier this year.

Overall, the proposed budget totals $818,893, marking an increase of $119,995. The board will continue to refine these figures as they prepare for final approval in the coming months, ensuring that essential services and student safety remain a priority amidst rising operational costs.