District leaders told the board Dec. 11 they are pursuing a combination of approaches to close an operational deficit estimated in discussion at roughly $4.9 million.

Superintendent Dr. Miller and finance staff said special-education costs have risen (staffing, transportation, tuition/out-of-district placements) and the district plans to submit worksheets to the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) to request special-education exceptions under Act 1. The base index cited for budgeting is 3.5% (Dr. Miller), and administrators noted that qualifying for an adjusted index does not obligate the district to use it but does create an additional decision point for potential millage adjustments.

On the expenditure side, administrators noted attrition-driven reductions (10.5 positions last year, 12.5 positions currently) and other strategies to 'reduce the slope' of cost growth. The finance presentation described potential bond refundings for the 2014B series (current net present value savings cited at about 1.7%); the district historically targets roughly 3% NPV savings before refunding. Board members discussed timelines and parameters; staff said pre-authorization parameters can remain valid for months.

Several directors questioned the prudence of adding new course offerings or one-time resource purchases while a large deficit exists; administration responded that some course agreements shift family cost and do not require additional district FTEs. The board approved routine finance items this meeting: financial reports (accounts payable listed in the agenda at $2,259,735.64) and budget transfers totaling $10,283.34.

Board leadership said more detailed budget materials will be brought forward in January and March (PDE ruling timeline referenced). No final decisions on millage increases or bond refunding were made at the Dec. 11 meeting.