Wyoming Valley West board says state budget release will boost district reserves and capital plans

The Wyoming Valley West School District on Wednesday said the recently approved Pennsylvania state budget will restore state aid and strengthen the district's fiscal outlook, and the board's finance chair urged keeping a multi-million-dollar reserve to fund future capital projects.

Superintendent Dr. Shoupon told the board the state budget had been approved and that the release of state funding "will allow schools across Pennsylvania, including Wyoming Valley West, to continue offering high quality programs, resources, and supports that help students succeed." The superintendent said the decision "brings much needed stability and relief."

Finance Committee Chair Mister Keating presented the committee's financial update, saying the district had navigated recent years without tax increases despite a hit in state aid. "We still have $31,000,000 in our general fund," Keating said, and he reported that investment revenue had grown from roughly $200,000 a year to "now we're making $98,000 a month." Keating recommended holding $9 million to $11 million unreserved and using the remaining balance for capital projects, including the possibility of new campus facilities within two to four years if funding materializes.

Keating also referenced an audit from several years ago that once showed a negative balance and said improved stewardship and the restored state aid would allow the district to prioritize long-deferred capital needs.

The board approved routine financial items during the meeting: general recommended action items and staff-recommended items were passed by roll call, and the board accepted bills for payment, the finance manager's report and the treasurer's report.

The board scheduled its reorganization meeting for Dec. 3 and its next regular meeting for Dec. 10, where members said capital priorities and budget planning will continue to be discussed.