School District budgets $3.7M increase for 2025 2026 focusing on key expenses

The Central York School District held a Board Planning Meeting on May 5, 2025, to discuss the budget for the 2025-2026 school year. The meeting focused on key financial updates, including budget increases, expense management, and enrollment trends.

The meeting began with a presentation on the proposed budget, which reflects an increase of approximately $3.7 million, or 3.3%, compared to the previous year. This increase is attributed to various factors, including adjustments in salaries and benefits, which account for 71% of the total budget. The discussion highlighted that while there were some decreases in supplies and equipment costs, such as the removal of one-time purchases like band uniforms and athletic supplies, overall expenses remain a critical focus.

A significant point of discussion was the pension contribution rates, which are projected to rise to 34% next year. The board noted that these rates are set annually by the PEASERS board and could potentially reach as high as 37% in the next five years. This increase is a concern for the district's financial planning and was emphasized as a key factor in future budget projections.

The meeting also addressed the rising costs associated with cyber charter schools. Despite a decrease in enrollment from previous years, the district is projected to pay the highest amount for cyber charter tuition due to the way costs are calculated based on district expenses. This trend raises concerns about the sustainability of funding for traditional public education in light of increasing cyber charter costs.

Enrollment statistics were reviewed, showing a slight recovery from previous declines, with current averages around 230 students in cyber education. The board noted that special education students in cyber programs incur nearly double the costs of regular education students, further impacting the budget.

In conclusion, the Central York School District's Board Planning Meeting underscored the challenges of managing a growing budget amidst rising pension costs and increasing expenses related to cyber education. The board will continue to monitor these trends as they finalize the budget for the upcoming school year.