Recent Budget Meeting Exposes Program Chopping Block

On March 15^th, 2011, The Fleetwood Area School Board hosted a meeting in the middle school to discuss the consequences of the anticipated budget deficit. Governor Tom Corbett’s budget is slashing funding for schools all over Pennsylvania, and Fleetwood is no exception.

Obviously, a $1,900,000.00 deficit is a big deal. Corbett’s cuts to school funding, combined with a nearly two million dollar budget shortfall, can and will be detrimental to the school’s various programs and clubs. What is worse is that some programs’ high costs make them more susceptible to elimination. However, the interests of the community also affect the decisions of the board.

So the question is—What’s getting cut?

While no one can be sure what programs will be eliminated, there are some obvious eliminations on the horizon. Driver Education seems to be the earliest casuality.  Among other likely cuts is fifth grade camp, a tradition here at Fleetwood. While cutting fifth grade camp would save a surprising $32,000.00, it’s hardly noticeable in a comparatively infinite deficit.

At Corbett’s request, a pay freeze for all staff is likely to occur next year, which would account for roughly $800,000. Even if school staff does accept a pay freeze, how can the board account for remaining $1,100,000.00?

The most costly of items on the “chopping block” could, surprisingly, be transportation. Busing students costs a shocking $1,500,000.00. At $40,000.00 a bus, transportation blows away all other expenses here at Fleetwood.  Even more startling than million dollar transportation is the fact that providing transportation at any school is not required by the state. This means that cutting busing, while unlikely, is still a possibility, particularly while the school board seems uninterested in any tax increase.

However, money isn’t the only factor in cuts.  The community is equally important in the decision of the board. It has been reported that many citizens have been contacting the school board in an attempt to consider more seriously consider some tax increase, however minor it may be.  Recent figures indicate that a .49 millage increase would raise property taxes only fifty dollars for every $100,000 dollars that a home is worth.  These citizens suggest that the increased taxation is well worth the cost of maintaining the academic rigor of the district.

What all of this information means for the community is that coming to board meetings and standing up for organizations and clubs will help to influence a school board that is dependent upon your votes and your voice. The bottom line is that, while some cuts are unavoidable, anyone and everyone can have a say in school policy.