Board reviews budget options and PBIS costs as preliminary levy decision looms

Mrs. Heler and Justin presented updated budget numbers to the Bermudian Springs SD board, including a $42,000 decrease in projected healthcare costs and an $18,000 increase in HCTI tuition that together produced a net favorable variance of roughly $23,687 for the coming year.

Presenters showed several levy scenarios ranging from a 0% tax increase to the Act 1 index (4.7%). They said a 0% increase would leave a larger first‑year shortfall while adopting the Act 1 index would reduce the near‑term deficit; presenters emphasized the multi‑year impact of the board's May/June preliminary millage decision. The presentation showed a projected estimated fund balance near $3.5 million under the Act 1 assumption presented to the board.

Board members pressed for details about PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions & Supports) line items after reviewing last year’s elementary costs for PBIS materials, printing, and a school‑store. A board member noted total elementary PBIS spending last year was about $12,000 and that the proposed number for the coming year is about $14,000 — an approximate 16% increase — and asked whether the district could cut costs while preserving the program. Recording of the exchange shows administration explained the increase reflects printing and supply cost inflation and program evolution, and that elementary buildings use perforated ticketing while the middle school is shifting to a PBIS app that district leaders say better suits that age group and can include parent communication.

Administration described tradeoffs: elementary students benefit from physical ticketing and a school store, the middle school benefits from a digital app that tracks rewards and allows teacher and parent communication, and schools weigh cost, manpower and age appropriateness when choosing an approach. The district said it had reviewed options (in‑house printing, third‑party printing, and purchased tickets) and concluded purchased or printed perforated tickets reduced staff time and supply burdens at the elementary level.

Justin reiterated that under Pennsylvania school code the board typically approves a preliminary millage rate in May that must sit for 30 days before a final June vote; the board cannot increase the millage after the preliminary approval. Presenters urged the board to identify how it wants the preliminary budget presented at the May vote, noting the preliminary rate is not the final tax bill.

The board did not set a final levy at the meeting; presenters scheduled further budget discussion and asked the board for direction on the preliminary budget to be considered in May and finalized in June.

A follow‑up review of activity‑fund subaccounts also explained why some club accounts can temporarily appear negative because of timing differences between expenditures and deposits; the overall activity fund was described as holding over $100,000 in total.