N
I
F
A
N
CE
C
OR
N
E
R
DIRECTOR OF FINANCE REPORT
INFORMATION SUBMITTED BY MRS. TRACY A. HARRIS, DIRECTOR OF FINANCE
THE WEST JEFFERSON HILLS SCHOOL DISTRICT
2016-2017 BUDGET
T
he West Jefferson Hills School District Board of School Directors approved the 20162017 General Fund Budget that reflects a millage rate of 19.628. The District raised the
millage rate to the Act 1 index of 3.1% or .59 mills. The increase of the .59 mills will yield
an approximate $805,900 for the District’s plan of constructing the new Thomas Jefferson
High School. For a property owner, this will equate to an additional $59.00 of real estate
taxes on a property with an assessed value of $100,000.
WE ST J E FFE RSO N H IL L S SC HO O L DI ST RIC T N E WS
est Jefferson Hills
Budgetary discussions and financial decisions for the District continue to reflect our
fiscal responsibility. When comparing millage rates to other school districts located
in Allegheny County, West Jefferson Hills School District currently ranks 19th out of
42 districts. The millage rates for school districts within Allegheny County range from
16.6067 mills to 32.63 mills.
The financial commitment of the District to the community has included the
hiring of teachers to replace those who have retired and refinancing older, higher
interest rate bond issues. The savings, represented by these hires and refinancing,
have enabled the District to continue to invest substantial dollars into our education
programs, enhancement of curriculum, updating textbooks for core subjects in grades
kindergarten through twelve, and upgrading technology. We also continue to safeguard
our educational facilities, maintaining their security, cleanliness, and efficiency. We will
continue to provide our students with one of the best educational opportunities in
Western Pennsylvania.
As shown in the corresponding chart, District Revenues total $47,675,279. Local
Revenues total $33,731,450, which represents 70.75% of the District’s total budget. State
Revenues total $13,591,663, which represents only 28.51% of the District’s total budget.
District expenditures have increased 6.91% from 2015-2016 to $47,675,279 in 20162017. Salaries and Benefits represent 66.8% of the District expenditure budget and Debt
Service represents 11.68% of the District expenditure budget.
The projected Unreserved/Undesignated Fund Balance for the West Jefferson Hills
School District is $3,576,130 or 7.5% of budgeted expenditures. The projected Reserved/
Designated Fund Balance (Designated Future Expenditures) for the West Jefferson Hills
School District is $26,465,000. These Fund Balances have positioned the School District to
move forward with a healthy financial condition and to plan for future needs.
40 West Jefferson Hills