Fox Chapel Area School District board accepts audit, approves contracts, policies and five-year SEIU pact

The Fox Chapel Area School District Board of School Directors on Wednesday accepted the district—s fiscal year 2023–24 financial statements, approved several vendor contracts and policy updates, and ratified a five‑year collective bargaining agreement with Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 32BJ.

The district—s auditor reported an unmodified opinion on the financial statements. "Your unassigned fund balance is 9,900,000 dollars, which represents 8.6% of your budgeted expense," the presenter said, noting that the district—s unassigned balance falls within commonly recommended ranges. The auditor also summarized revenues of about $116,000,000 for the year and expenditures of about $111,000,000, with transfers of $2,400,000 into capital project funds and a net increase in fund balance of roughly $2,028,000.

Why this matters: The audit and the board—s actions set the district—s financial posture ahead of the 2025–26 budget process. The board also approved a resolution declaring it will not raise taxes above the state Act 1 index (4%), which preserves the district—s current tax policy unless it later seeks voter approval to exceed that index.

Key approvals and votes - Audit report for fiscal year ended June 30, 2024: accepted (roll-call vote recorded as unanimous among eight members present). - General fund disbursements and capital fund disbursements: approved (roll-call votes). - Budget transfers for 2024–25: approved. - Resolution 2025‑1 electing not to increase the tax rate above the Act 1 index: approved. - Contracts and agreements: First Student Incorporated high‑school transportation contract ($329.75 per day, Oct. 27, 2024–June 30, 2025); HF Lens agreement for Fox Chapel Area High School domestic water line and service replacement (agreement amount $19,600); builders risk insurance for the Hartwood Elementary HVAC project from StarNet Insurance Company ($1,282 for March 1–Dec. 31, 2025); all approved. - Personnel and other approvals: appointment of Nicole R. Smith, EdD, as program principal at Fox Chapel Area High School; approval of two stipulated adjudications; acceptance of a $500 donation to Project Kindness at Kerr Elementary; approval of a student teaching affiliation with Point Park University; approval of an addendum for substitute cafeteria workers; ratification of supplemental contracts, leaves and volunteer assignments listed in the agenda. - Labor agreement: collective bargaining agreement with SEIU Local 32BJ approved, effective July 1, 2025–June 30, 2030.

Board members called the roll for each formal motion; the meeting transcript records a series of unanimous "yes" votes for motions where the board voted on the listed items. The board also approved multiple policy revisions on second reading, including policies numbered 113.1, 202, 227, 236.1, 254, 701, 703, 704, 805.2 and 903.

Details and context The auditor noted changes in revenue sources: earned income tax (EIT) came in higher than expected and offset some declines in real estate tax revenue caused by refunds. The auditor also discussed the district—s pension liability and long‑term debt, providing a proportionate-share figure cited in the presentation; the auditor described the district—s committed capital reserves and noted planned uses tied to multi‑phase capital projects.

The board—s finance discussion also touched on the timing of future budget work: administrators said requested budgets have been compiled and the district will now review needs and priorities, with additional committee and public steps before a final proposed budget.

Ending Board members thanked staff and district unions for their work. The full 90‑page audit and supporting financial statements are posted on the district—s website under the financial area, the administration said.