TE School Board reviews budget with $4.3M local revenue increase and new projects
October 28, 2024 | Tredyffrin-Easttown SD, School Districts, Pennsylvania
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The Tredyffrin Easttown School Board meeting on October 28, 2024, highlighted significant financial updates and ongoing projects that directly impact the local community. The board reported a notable increase in local revenues, totaling approximately $4.3 million this year, primarily driven by real estate transfer taxes and investment income. This boost has helped maintain a healthy general fund revenue of $133.3 million as of September.
Despite rising instructional expenses, particularly in special programs, the district remains well within its budget. The board anticipates a 4% Act 1 index for the 2025-2026 school year, potentially generating an additional $5.8 million in tax revenue. Budget discussions will commence in December, with public workshops planned for March and April, leading to a final budget decision in June.
In addition to financial matters, the meeting included updates on various construction projects. The facilities committee reported that all summer 2024 projects were completed successfully, with new playgrounds planned for Beaumont and Hillside Elementary Schools in summer 2025. The board also reviewed bids for the new elementary school, with the lowest bid coming in over $1 million under budget.
Environmental sustainability was another key topic, as the district continues to source 10% of its electricity from renewable energy. The committee decided to wait until the current contract expires in 2025 before committing to a 100% renewable energy source, allowing for a better understanding of future costs.
The meeting concluded with discussions on modifications to the Tredyffrin Easttown Middle School library to accommodate special education needs and the installation of a rain gauge at Conestoga High School, a donation that will benefit the school's science department without incurring costs for the district.
The next meeting is scheduled for November 18, where the board will receive an audit report, and community members are encouraged to participate in upcoming discussions about the budget and ongoing projects.
Despite rising instructional expenses, particularly in special programs, the district remains well within its budget. The board anticipates a 4% Act 1 index for the 2025-2026 school year, potentially generating an additional $5.8 million in tax revenue. Budget discussions will commence in December, with public workshops planned for March and April, leading to a final budget decision in June.
In addition to financial matters, the meeting included updates on various construction projects. The facilities committee reported that all summer 2024 projects were completed successfully, with new playgrounds planned for Beaumont and Hillside Elementary Schools in summer 2025. The board also reviewed bids for the new elementary school, with the lowest bid coming in over $1 million under budget.
Environmental sustainability was another key topic, as the district continues to source 10% of its electricity from renewable energy. The committee decided to wait until the current contract expires in 2025 before committing to a 100% renewable energy source, allowing for a better understanding of future costs.
The meeting concluded with discussions on modifications to the Tredyffrin Easttown Middle School library to accommodate special education needs and the installation of a rain gauge at Conestoga High School, a donation that will benefit the school's science department without incurring costs for the district.
The next meeting is scheduled for November 18, where the board will receive an audit report, and community members are encouraged to participate in upcoming discussions about the budget and ongoing projects.
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