The West Chester Area School District's Property and Finance Meeting on September 29, 2025, highlighted significant budget adjustments and future planning that will impact the local educational landscape.

One of the key discussions centered around the financial forecast for the 2024-2025 and 2025-2026 school years. The district reported a minor increase in expenditures of $244,000, primarily due to adjustments in charter school funding, which saw an increase in special education enrollments. This adjustment contributed to a total budget gap of approximately $195,000 for the 2024-2025 year.

Looking ahead, the district is projecting a more substantial budget gap of nearly $15.2 million for the 2026-2027 school year. This figure reflects ongoing challenges in balancing revenues and expenditures, with a noted decrease in federal Title funding impacting overall financial health. Despite these challenges, the district reported a savings of $506,000 in teacher salaries due to lower-than-expected average salaries compared to budgeted figures.

In addition to financial discussions, the board approved a three-year service contract with Optiv Security for cybersecurity services, ensuring the district's digital infrastructure remains secure. This contract, budget-neutral and included in the current budget, underscores the district's commitment to safeguarding student and staff information.

The meeting also addressed capital projects, including the approval of funds for the replacement of drapery at Fudy Middle School and generator work at West Towne Forme Berry School, reflecting ongoing investments in school facilities.

As the district navigates these financial complexities, it remains focused on maintaining educational quality and safety for its students. The next steps will involve further budget reviews and potential adjustments as the school year progresses, with a preliminary budget expected for board adoption in early 2026.