2017- 2018 BUDGET APPROVED
NO TAX INCREASE FOR 2017-2018
The Northwestern Lehigh school board approved the budget for 2017-2018. The budget anticipates expenditures of $43,475,914 + 3.5%, and Income of $41,698,0238 +2.62%. This allows a possible shortfall of $1,777,886. These shortfalls are often reversed during the year by cost savings or increased revenues. Hopefully this will be the case, but if not, the district still has a fund balance of around $18,000,000 that is available to fill any shortfalls. It should be noted that this is the 7th consecutive year of no tax increase. The vote was unanimous 6-0 for the members present. This is a good example to all school boards, that is possible to live within the revenues available. The business office should be commended for cooperating to do the work and diligence to be frugal with the citizens money. While there has been success in the past, hopefully the new board members starting this fall, most who are part of the education establishment, will remember that the money comes from the taxpayers, who often are not as well endowed as those who they may be more inclined to represent.
The board is expecting to vote in June to approve all day kindergarten, it will be available, but not mandatory. And of course is not final yet.
There was also some discussion about the declining enrollment, which is now 2160. This is now a trend that is occurring in most school districts due to a declining birth rate and a declining population in Pennsylvania. While the trend in enrollment is declining, the staffing is increasing. It is also stated that all retirements and all vacant positions will be filled. No one is proposing lay offs , but why is staffing increasing? Why must all vacancies be filled? I would hope that there is not a policy, that is encouraged by educational unions, that staff expenditures must be maintained. They seem to believe this is their money and can never be reduced. The administration is the management hired by the taxpayers, not an arm of the union. It is the responsibility of the board to oversee the finances of the district.
The board approved a .10 increase in school lunches.
Funding for the Senior citizens rebate is provided.
June 7 next workshop meeting.June 21 next board meeting. All residents are encouraged to attend.
Funding for the Senior citizens rebate is provided.
June 7 next workshop meeting.June 21 next board meeting. All residents are encouraged to attend.
Good job Ray! More staff then ever, and less students,
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