Council Rock's enrollment boost drives MBIT budget increase to 1 percent

The Council Rock School District is preparing for its upcoming fiscal year with a proposed budget of $5.5 million, reflecting a commitment to enhancing educational programs while keeping tax increases manageable for residents. During the recent School Board meeting, officials expressed confidence in their financial projections, thanks in part to the diligent work of the finance committee.

One of the key highlights of the budget discussion was the anticipated increase of over 1% in the Middle Bucks Institute of Technology (MBIT) budget, attributed to an influx of 17 new students from Council Rock. Currently, there are 93 students enrolled from the district, which impacts the financial contributions made to MBIT based on student numbers.

In addition to the budget discussions, the district announced it will receive $50,000 from the Council Rock Education Foundation (CREF) for the Knights for Knowledge program, now entering its third year. The district is also set to accept $46,000 in innovative grants from CREF, which will support various educational initiatives.

A notable contribution to the district's food service program came from Giant Supermarkets, which donated $10,951, further supporting local students' needs.

The proposed budget includes funding for full-day kindergarten and additional teaching positions, aiming to improve educational quality and staff retention. While many districts are facing tax increases of up to 4%, Council Rock anticipates a more modest increase of approximately 2.9%, which is less than half a percent more than last year's budget.

Overall, the district's anticipated expenses for the year are projected at $292 million, marking a 4.5% increase from the previous year. This careful financial planning reflects the district's commitment to providing quality education while being mindful of the community's economic landscape.