Brownsville SD business manager invited to join state task force
Edward Yorke, business manager for the Brownsville Area School District, has been invited to join the state Property Tax and Referendum Task Force. The committee, organized by the Pennsylvania Association of School Business Office, will afford Yorke the opportunity to bring financial questions, concerns and issues as the voice for school districts in the western central region of the state.
“I am proud to represent the Brownsville school district as a business manager,” Yorke said. “It was nice that I was sought out to belong to this committee and will have the chance to bring concerns to the right people.”
Yorke said the committee serves as an advocate for school districts and members will make recommendations to legislators and state senators about the financial pressures and concerns that school districts are facing.
“I have my first meeting this month and we will meet with state representatives and senators to give them some proposals that might correct some of the problems facing school districts,” Yorke said.
He said some of the biggest challenges right now include the impending pension crisis, instruction reimbursements and not receiving state funds on a timely basis.
Yorke said he will also seek the opportunity to explain to state officials why one equation will not work with every school district.
“Economics decide a lot in terms of programs. It seems now, the economic advantage always goes to city schools,” he said.
“I want to plant the idea of a fair and balanced playing field when it comes to funding.”
Yorke said he is also looking forward to speaking with officials about the hardship districts are facing with balancing budgets when no concrete answers from the state can be given.
“Before we could even pass a tentative budget, our state allotment changed three times this year,” Yorke said. “That made it extremely difficult in writing the budget.”
Another concern high on the priority list according to Yorke is high cost of special education.
“The Intermediate Unit offers great services, but it’s hard to keep a balanced budget. Obviously you can’t anticipate the number of students who will need it,” Yorke said.
“It’s something that is a top concern for every school district.”