Peters Township Schools Must Find Ways to Cut Expenses

The Peters Township School District must make some major budget cuts before adopting a budget for the 2013-14 school year.

According to the Post-Gazette, estimated spending next year totals $54 million, which is about six percent higher than the current budget.

Some school board members earlier this week said contract renegotiations with teachers and staff are a must.

In 2012-13, the school board raised the tax rate by 3.79 mills. 

For the 2013-14 school year budget, the board will only be allowed to raise taxes by 1.64 mills by law, according to the newspaper.

Among some of the most expensive requests include computer upgrades. The technology director wants to replace 1,600 devices, mostly desktop computers in classrooms, through a four-year lease with payments of $302,000 a year, according to the report.

This after a decision to allow students to bring in their own electronics to cut down on technology costs last year. The plan hasn't worked.

Student enrollment is expected to increase by about 45 new students, according to the report, including more special education students.

Other increases proposed for next year include an additional $1.4 million in pension costs, curriculum increases of $318,000 and about $130,000 for a new phone system, according to the newspaper.

The next finance committee meeting is 6:30 p.m. on May 13.

How do you think the district should cut expenses? Tell us in the comments.