Mount Lebanon School Board plans budget with potential furloughs and expenditure reductions

In the heart of Mount Lebanon, Pennsylvania, the local school board convened to address pressing financial matters that could shape the future of education in the district. Under the bright lights of the meeting room, board members reviewed a series of financial items, each carrying significant implications for the upcoming school year.

The meeting began with the approval of the monthly list of bills, reflecting checks authorized between February 13 and February 27, 2025. The superintendent recommended this approval, ensuring that all checks had been thoroughly reviewed by the administration. Following this, the board discussed budgetary transfers totaling $3,285.26, earmarked for athletic supplies and mailings from the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association, which also received the superintendent's endorsement.

A notable discussion arose around a list of unusable equipment, which included a floor scrubber and a dishwasher, both in varying states of disrepair. The board humorously noted the condition of the dishwasher, emphasizing the importance of clarity in communication regarding district assets.

As the meeting progressed, the board turned its attention to the AIU program of services budget for the 2025-2026 school year, which totals $2,361,050. Mount Lebanon's contribution is projected at $85,249, a slight increase from the previous year. This budget is crucial for the administration of services shared among member districts, particularly for students with disabilities.

However, the most pressing topic was the resolution for the potential reduction of professional staff. The superintendent clarified that this resolution was a precautionary measure, required by state law to provide a 60-day notice should staff reductions become necessary. Despite this, the administration expressed a strong commitment to presenting a balanced budget without staff cuts, drawing on lessons learned from previous fiscal challenges.

In a detailed presentation, the superintendent outlined the district's efforts to identify cost savings, including negotiating contracts, reducing positions through attrition, and seeking additional funding from state legislators. The board acknowledged the significant shortfall from the state budget last year, which had left the district in a precarious financial position. They emphasized the importance of transparency and collaboration among staff and the community in navigating these challenges.

As discussions wrapped up, board members reiterated their commitment to a balanced budget that does not rely on fund balance or furloughs. They recognized the need for advocacy at the state level to address systemic funding issues affecting all school districts. The meeting concluded with a sense of cautious optimism, as the board prepared to present the base budget to the public in the coming week, aiming for a sustainable financial future for Mount Lebanon schools.