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McKeesport Area SD previews preliminary budget; board told $4.2M fund‑balance drawdown currently planned
Summary
District staff presented a preliminary budget projection described in the meeting as "around just over $92 million," noted a Ready to Learn grant of roughly $5.8–$5.9 million, and said the draft currently balances by using about $4.2 million of the fund balance; state aid uncertainty and the loss of prior charter relief were cited as risks.
At the April 2 meeting, Joe, who presented the preliminary budget, said the district was "projecting right now for the budget to be around just over $92 million" (transcript phrasing was ambiguous whether the speaker meant a total budget or an increase figure). Joe cited normal operations, staffing, and increased special education costs as drivers; he also noted the addition of two new CTE programs and increasing transportation costs tied to special education needs.
Joe said the district expects increased federal revenue due to a Ready to Learn grant, which he put at "almost a little over 5.8 million, 5.9 million." Committee members pressed on balancing: at present the preliminary budget was balanced by tapping approximately $4.2 million from the fund balance, a level some members called high and urged the administration to reduce before a formal vote.
Board members discussed state budget uncertainty and the end of prior SR funds. One member asked whether the state had included charter school relief in its proposed budget; members said that relief had been removed and cited roughly $2 million in lost support. The board and staff noted final state subsidy figures expected in June could change these numbers.
Procedural items: the chair moved several grouped agenda items by consent (items across April 9 agenda blocks), and the transcript records the motions but not recorded outcomes or vote tallies. A CTE grant of roughly $70,000 and replacement of the Raptor visitor management system (item 6.2) were highlighted as specific items included in consent groupings.
Next steps: the preliminary budget may be adjusted before the June meeting when final state numbers are known; the transcript shows no final vote recorded for the budget in the provided segment.
