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Plum Borough SD budget proposal emphasizes maintaining programs, a modest millage increase and Harrisburg advocacy for fair funding
Summary
Administrators outlined a proposed budget prioritizing current programs, recommended a 2.94% millage increase to generate roughly $1.2M and proposed using $1M of fund balance for one‑time bus purchases; leadership also described plans to press state representatives and PDE for fairer funding after analyzing county revenue rankings.
District finance and leadership presented a proposed budget that seeks to preserve academic and extracurricular programs while addressing rising costs and long‑deferred capital needs.
Administrators said the district faces increased costs including an 8.2% rise in health‑care expenses and continuing special‑education mandates. The presentation noted the district’s revenue ranking in Allegheny County is low and that administrators estimate Plum Borough School District is underfunded by about $5 million compared with a model of adequate funding.
To address near‑term needs without cutting programs, administration recommended a 2.94% millage increase (presented as a 2.94% tax rate change yielding a millage of about 24.619) that would generate roughly $1.2 million; it also proposed using $1 million of fund balance for a one‑time bus purchase to lock in current prices and reduce future transportation costs. The administration framed those steps as strategic uses of fund balance and a way to begin a multi‑year capital plan to avoid borrowing when possible.
Board and staff discussed state funding disparities and plans to advocate in Harrisburg. Administrators said they will prepare an internal resolution (modeled on a neighboring district) and supporting infographics and requested board participation in meetings with state representatives. Staff cautioned that changing state funding formulas can take years and that any litigation or systemic change can span a decade, but said local advocacy and coordinated county resolutions are appropriate next steps.
Board members signaled support to move the budget recommendation to the next meeting for a formal vote; staff will return with final homestead/farmstead relief calculations once state figures are released.
