IN Brentwood-Baldwin-Whitehall Spring 2016 | Page 83

Good pensions are meant to attract and retain highly qualified
teachers. The recent increase in mandated teacher pensions does
not reflect a new commitment to improving the quality of teachers
in our schools. Instead, it is a direct reflection of underfunding at
the state level. School districts are accused of not paying their “fair
portion” of pension contributions; however, it must be made clear
that school districts were not given an option of paying more. The
state issued an invoice to schools and refunded overpayments.

Until legislators are willing to be at the table and negotiate a final
budget, the state heads into the spring without a budget and sets
the stage for another possible unresolved budget in 2016-2017.
The limited funding, coupled with rising pension costs, and an
increase in unfunded mandates are causing all schools to strategize
on how to keep the doors open. Last school year, Brentwood
was forced to furlough teachers, forgo hiring a principal, and
restructure programs, and this school year we will be forced to
take out a loan in order to be able to make payroll. This does not
sound like a state that values education. In order for Pennsylvania
to move forward with closing the structural deficit and making a
commitment to quality education for all learners, it must prepare a
budget that includes new sources of general fund revenues.

Impact of Unfunded Mandates
New standards and mandates have been signed into law by the
legislature. Some of these include, PA Core standards, mandated
reporter training, suicide prevention training, new teacher and
principal evaluation measures, and standardized testing. Yet, none
of these mandates were accompanied by funding. The education
budget crisis began in 2010-2011, with the reduction of funding at
the state level which to date has not been restored.

B U S I N E S S M A N AG E R’S

M E S S A G E

SUBMITTED BY JENNIFER L. PESANKA, BUSINESS MANAGER
On January 11, 2016, the School Board of Directors adopted the 2016-2017 Preliminary Budget. While the 2016-2017 Preliminary Budget
was a balanced budget with a real estate tax increase, this is only the beginning of the budget process. More adjustments will be made to
the budget before a final real estate tax rate will be set in June 2016.
On February 9, 2016, the District sought approval for referendum exceptions from the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE). If
approved, it would allow the District to raise the real estate tax millage rate above the Act 1 Index. The District is uncertain at this time if it
will raise the real estate tax millage rate for 2016-2017, and if it will use any referendum exceptions the PDE approves.
Below outlines the 2016-2017 Budget Timeline until passage of a final budget in June 2016

Date
March 2, 2016
May 16, 2016
May 23, 2016
May 24, 2016 to
June 20, 2016
June 13, 2016
June 20, 2016

Item

PDE to issue ruling on District’s petition for referendum exceptions.
School Board of Directors to discuss the 2016-2017 Proposed Final Budget
School Board of Directors adopt the 2016-2017 Proposed Final Budget and authorize
its public display on May 24, 2016
2016-2017 Proposed Final Budget is on display for public inspection.
School Board discussion of the 2016-2017 Final Budget
Adoption of the 2016-2017 Final Budget and 2016 Real Estate Millage Rate

Brentwood-Baldwin-Whitehall | Spring 2016 | icmags.com 81

C I THOOL
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Conclusion

McKeespor
BrentwoodtBorough

Impact of Pensions