Credit: Tom Sofield/LevittownNow.com
The Pennsbury School Board has voted to advertise a proposed 2023-2024 budget that could raise taxes.
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Last week, the Pennsbury School Board to approve advertisement of a $242,884,154 proposed spending plan.
The proposed budget features a 4.1 percent tax hike to cover rising costs. Pennsbury CFO Chris Berdnik said the take hike would average a $177 increase for the average property owner.
The district is burdened with rising pension, charter school, and special education costs, Berdnik said.
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A total of 73 percent of district spending goes toward salary and benefits.
The district’s spending of salary and benefits will grow by $5.7 million, a $1.3 million bond payment will be due, nearly $1 million is need for technology replacement, the district expects to spend $738,000 more in energy costs in the 2023-2024 school year, which runs from July 1 to June 20, 2024, Berdnik said.
The district plans to start putting more money into capital project funds to have less of a reliance on borrowed money in the future.
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Bernik said the district will look to purchase Chromebooks, which will save on long-term leasing costs. While there is an upfront cost, following years will not have leasing charges.
The budget would include funding for a “down payment” for a renovation or construction of a new high school project that is being considered. The high school project is expected to cost between $160 million and $214 million depending on what option is picked.
COVID-19 relief money that flowed to school districts has ended for the 2023-2024 budget year.
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The school board will vote the proposed budget at a June meeting.
Superintendent Dr. Thomas Smith said the budget proposal reflects the needs of the 10,000-student district.
Also at the meeting, the school board voted to approve a $37.94 million plan to go out for bonds to fund the following projects:
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• Charles Boehm Middle School renovations – $16.3 million
• Guaranteed energy savings (GESA) projects – $12.6 million
• Stadium phase II – $5.8 million
• Makefield Elementary School roof, enclosing portion done in 2010 – $1.3 million
• Security camera and safety upgrades $250,000
• Eleanor Roosevelt hard play area – $100,000
• Contingency, rounding, and other costs – $1.59 million
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