School Board proposes $150M budget with focus on special education and staffing needs
April 09, 2025 | Boyertown Area SD, School Districts, Pennsylvania
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The Boyertown Area School District is set to propose a significant budget for the 2025-2026 school year, totaling $150,604,017, reflecting a $5.79 million increase from the previous year. This budget prioritizes essential educational services, allocating $25,992,220 for special education and $2,120,269 for vocational education, among other instructional programs.
To support this budget, the district plans to implement a 3% increase in real estate taxes, which is expected to generate approximately $2.6 million in additional revenue. The budget breakdown reveals that 40% will be dedicated to personnel salaries, totaling $59,573,808, while benefits will account for 28% at $41,582,350. Other significant expenditures include contracted services and charter school tuition costs, which are projected to exceed $5 million.
The district's financial strategy also includes a careful management of its fund balance, which is projected to decrease slightly over the next two years while maintaining compliance with state regulations that limit unassigned fund balances to 8% of budgeted expenditures. The proposed budget will be presented for adoption on April 22, with a final vote scheduled for May 27, allowing for public review and potential adjustments based on state funding outcomes.
In addition to the budget discussions, the board is considering the introduction of full-day kindergarten, with two positions included in the proposed budget. However, the implementation timeline remains uncertain, as the board will need to assess the feasibility of this initiative in future budget cycles.
Furthermore, the board plans to introduce a property tax rent rebate program, offering rebates based on income thresholds, which will require annual review and approval.
As the district navigates these financial decisions, it aims to address the pressing needs of its students while ensuring fiscal responsibility and transparency. The upcoming meetings will be crucial for finalizing the budget and determining the future direction of educational programs in the Boyertown Area School District.
To support this budget, the district plans to implement a 3% increase in real estate taxes, which is expected to generate approximately $2.6 million in additional revenue. The budget breakdown reveals that 40% will be dedicated to personnel salaries, totaling $59,573,808, while benefits will account for 28% at $41,582,350. Other significant expenditures include contracted services and charter school tuition costs, which are projected to exceed $5 million.
The district's financial strategy also includes a careful management of its fund balance, which is projected to decrease slightly over the next two years while maintaining compliance with state regulations that limit unassigned fund balances to 8% of budgeted expenditures. The proposed budget will be presented for adoption on April 22, with a final vote scheduled for May 27, allowing for public review and potential adjustments based on state funding outcomes.
In addition to the budget discussions, the board is considering the introduction of full-day kindergarten, with two positions included in the proposed budget. However, the implementation timeline remains uncertain, as the board will need to assess the feasibility of this initiative in future budget cycles.
Furthermore, the board plans to introduce a property tax rent rebate program, offering rebates based on income thresholds, which will require annual review and approval.
As the district navigates these financial decisions, it aims to address the pressing needs of its students while ensuring fiscal responsibility and transparency. The upcoming meetings will be crucial for finalizing the budget and determining the future direction of educational programs in the Boyertown Area School District.
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