Mar 24, 2016 By Earl Bugaile for The 3 min read

With a freeze in spending for nonessential items, Charleroi Area schools will be able to remain open through the end of the academic year, and will not face a threatened closing on May 1, according to Superintendent Ed Zelich.

The superintendent briefed school board members of the current financial crisis brought on by the lack of a state budget, but said that by eliminating spending for items that may have been budgeted for supplies that have not been purchased, there will be enough money to enable schools to remain open through graduation and June 7, the date in which school officials say the district will run out of funding.

Zelich told board members at the regular monthly meeting on Tuesday that he met with state Sen. Camera Bartolotta and other legislators to get an update on the status of the 2015-16 budget, which had been stalled in an impasse between the legislature and Gov. Tom Wolf for nine months. On Wednesday, Wolf announced that he would not veto the budget. It is expected to become law on Monday.

Like most school districts in Pennsylvania, Charleroi Area schools have had to borrow money to continue operations during the budget stalemate. Zelich said Charleroi has had to borrow $4.5 million, $1 million of which has been repaid. The Charleroi schools still have $3.5 in remaining loans. Zelich said the district owes approximately $50,000 in interest on the outstanding loans.

To date, Charleroi Area schools have received only 45 percent of their state funding, according to the superintendent.

“On June 7, we will run out of money,” Zelich said. “Hopefully (our legislators) will come to their senses.”

Zelich said with the spending freeze for nonessential items, the district will have the funds necessary to provide for graduation activities for high school seniors. Additionally, he noted that scheduled field trips will also take place.

In an action stemming from their February meeting, the school board voted 8-0 to advertise for bids for the Atlas Building at McKean Avenue and Second Street, and the old football stadium at Second Street. Last month, the board voted to sell the building and stadium to JaBo Enterprises of Aliquippa for $100,000, subject to approval of the Washington County Courts.

The proposed developer, identified as Jay Snyder, had intended to use the property for a store and restaurant. Snyder informed the board he was no longer interested in the venture.

Zelich said the property will go out for bids from perspective buyers within the next several days.

Zelich also told the board that the district working in partnership with California University of Pennsylvania to develop a Fab Lab for the STEM program, and will seek funding for the project.

In other action, the board held first readings for school and student policies that will be adopted in a later meeting, and hired and appointed head coaches and assistants for athletic teams.

Prior to the meeting, the board recognized more than 60 first-grade students for academic excellence and good citizenship.