The Penn-Trafford School Board adopted a nearly $61 million budget Monday that raises taxes by 1 mill but still has a $900,000 shortfall.
The initial motion for a budget with a 2-mill increase failed. Board member Toni Ising then suggested an alternative motion with a 1-mill increase, which passed.
A mill is equivalent to approximately $300,000 for the district.
As a result of this change, Director of Business Affairs Brett Lago said there will be a $900,000 deficit in the spending plan. The district will use money from its $7 million fund balance to cover the deficit.
Under this budget, the real estate tax rate will rise to 88.25 mills in the district’s Westmoreland County communities. The Allegheny County portion of the district located in Trafford Borough will have a rate of 15.08 mills.
The complete outline of the district’s revenue and expenditures for the coming academic year can be found on the school board website, penntrafford.org/school_board, under the “Meeting Agendas and Minutes” tab.
The board also approved the $750,000 renovation project which will remedy the water damage to the roof of the high school.
Additionally, the board renewed the contracts of Superintendent Dr. Matthew Harris and Assistant Superintendent Scott Inglese, as well as approved the employment of 10 new teachers.
