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Preliminary budget shows 3.99% draft increase; board reviews enrollment-projection and communications contracts
Summary
Administration presented a preliminary budget draft with a 3.99% recommended increase (up to the Act 1 index of 4.6 if the board chooses). Board reviewed enrollment-projection work (county contract ~ $13,000) and debated a communications contract cap (Turpany Communications, up to $15,000 proposed, with members noting actual use has been about $2,000 over two years).
JENKINTOWN, Pa. — At its March 10 work session the Jenkintown School District presented a high-level preliminary budget that would result in a 3.99% tax-rate increase in the draft; the administration said the board could elect to use the district’s full Act 1 adjusted index of 4.6.
The superintendent summarized key figures in the draft: revenues listed at $20,172,322; the general fund identified at just under $6,500,000; capital projects at about $743,000; and expenses year-to-date described as just over $10,600,000 (about 55% of the budgeted total). The administration noted final numbers remain contingent on state and federal allocations and unresolved items such as special-education placements and contract settlements.
"So this very first draft is a 3.99," the superintendent said, adding that the district could nonetheless come in under the maximum 4.6 index or use available exceptions if applicable.
The board also reviewed several contracts and operational items. Administration requested approval to retain Montgomery County Planning Commission services for enrollment projections; the contract was presented as roughly $13,000 total with a county/district cost-split described by staff that would leave the district paying about 75% (a little over $10,000) to secure earlier scheduling.
Board members discussed a proposed communications contract with Turpany Communications described as an "up to" amount of $15,000 that would cover potential expanded needs for outreach tied to building projects and public information. Several trustees asked staff to provide more granular billing and to consider reducing the cap; the superintendent said the vendor has performed pro bono work at times and suggested keeping at least a $10,000 ceiling to cover potential surge needs, while noting historical spend was low (about $2,000 total across 2023–24).
Facilities staff reported a short-term repair plan for a playground based on an engineer’s structural assessment; crews will perform repairs over spring break to keep the site open through the school year, with additional work or replacement to be evaluated in the summer.
The administration reminded the board that the schedule calls for a proposed final budget in May and final adoption in June, and cautioned that pension costs (PSERS) and special-education expenses remain major drivers of long-term budget pressure.
