Jun 20, 2002 By Joyce Koballa 3 min read

PERRYOPOLIS – Until the Frazier School District hears from the state on any additional subsidies to whichit is entitled, the school board is delaying its adoption of a final budget, despite a $120,712 deficit projected for the 2002-2003 school year. “It’s difficult to finalize a budget without that (state) figure,” said Tom Shetterly, business manager. Shetterly added that a 1-percent increase, as initially proposed for all school districts by Gov. Mark Schweiker, is equal to about $51,000 in revenue for the district.

Under the third draft of the tentative spending plan adopted by the school board last month, Shetterly, was able to trim the deficit by more than half, taking it from $320,000 to $120,712. The district would need to raise taxes by 2.62 mills to make up the difference. Revenue projections total $11,193,735, with expenditures at $11,314,447.

Compared to last year’s budget, expenditures are up 3.82 percent, from $10,898,331 to $11,314,447. Shetterly attributed the increase to benefits and salaries, which accounts for 68 percent of the overall budget; transportation, 22 percent; and vocational-technical school enrollment, 4 percent.

Shetterly said the most significant change to the budget included the transfer of a $419,188 renovation grant for the district’s two elementary schools from the general fund to the capital reserve fund. He also transferred another $10,000 for desks and tables for the high school/middle school and $50,000 for a mobile wireless lab into the capital reserve fund.

Shetterly said the transfer was made because it was “inflating the general fund budget.”

Superintendent Dr. Frederick Smeigh said he anticipates the state will pass a final budget by July 1; however, the school district is required to adopt its final budget before then or it is restricted from paying any expenses, except those associated with contracts.

Smeigh said he doesn’t consider the restriction to be a major problem if it’s only going to be short term.

“There’s a high probability that there will be increased revenue,” he said.

While the cost of employee insurance has significantly increased this year, Smeigh said the cost for supplies and purchases has dropped because of a decrease in student enrollment.

The school board also conducted the following business:

– Agreed to participate with California University of Pennsylvania to apply for a half-million-dollar Federal Character Education Grant to develop, pilot and implement a program in the district before it is shared with other school districts in Fayette County.

– Adopted a resolution to participate with EPI-CENTER (Education Policy and Issues Center), effective with the start of the 2002-2003 school year. That organization is devoted to improve educational standards throughout schools in southwestern Pennsylvania. Smeigh said the goal of the program is for school districts to have students achieve proficiency in reading and math by the time they graduate to the junior high level.

– Heard from Fred Koller, building and grounds supervisor, on the status of several building projects. Koller said painting has started in the high school/middle school and will be completed within the next six weeks. As far as the elementary school roofs, Koller said asbestos is being removed, with repairs to get under way next week.

– Heard from several custodial employees who requested a salary increase and consideration for reducing the amount they pay for health insurance.