Quaker Valley School Board Approves Proposed Budget

The School Board voted unanimously Tuesday night to approve a $39.8 million proposed budget that includes a slight tax increase for next year.

The board approved the budget proposal 9-0 on night. If adopted, the spending plan would increase the Quaker Valley tax rate from 20.70 to 20.95 mills, an increase of 0.25 mills.

That means a homeowner assessed at $100,000 would see an annual tax bill of $2,095, or an increase of about $25.  The median home value in the district is approximately $156,000.

Each mill generates about $1.3 million in Quaker Valley.

Martha Smith, district spokeswoman, said in a news release the $39.8 million proposed budget is less than 1 percent more than the current year’s budget. The proposal also maintains a current contribution of $497,000 to the Sewickley .

Smith said Quaker Valley is experiencing significant from state and federal governments similar to other school districts in the commonwealth. The proposed budget could change between now and the end of June when final budget must be passed, she said.  

"Like other districts we are waiting for the state to act," she said.

Proposed decreases in state and federal funding amount to more than $900,000 and include the loss of funding for basic education, elimination of partial funding for full-day kindergarten, complete loss of cyber-school reimbursements, and a significant reduction of state social security payments to the district.

To reduce expenses, the district 13 faculty, administrative, and support staff positions.  Budget reductions were also made in technology, professional development, and various other building and departmental expenses.

The board will vote on a final budget and taxes at 7 p.m. Tuesday, June 21 in the large group instruction room at Edgeworth Elementary School. The meeting is open to the public.

Review the proposed budget here at Patch. The proposal is also available on the district’s website, at the administrative offices, 100 Leetsdale Industrial Drive, Leetsdale, and the Sewickley Library, 500 Thorn Street.