It’s not etched in stone and elements could change, but school board directors have finalized a budget for the next academic year. They’re scheduled to vote on the spending plan during the June 16 meeting.
Unionville-Chadds Ford School Board directors approved a final budget proposal during their May 12 work session. As it stands now, there will be a weighted average tax increase of 2.66 percent. Chester County residents will see their millage increase to 26.44 mills, or 2.76 percent, while Chadds Ford Township property owners will have a jump to 22.20 mills, or a hike of 2.26 percent. A mill is a tax of $1 for every $1,000 of assessed value.
The different rates are based on how the two counties assess properties.
District Business Manager Robert Cochran said there are parts of the budget that can still be changed before the June 16 vote based on if, and how, the state legislature handles the state budget. There could be changes in how the state and school districts pay into the PSERS fund, the retirement fund for state teachers.
If there’s a cap placed on contributions, he said, there could be a savings of $300,000 to $400,000 that could be reflected in the budget. After questioning from Director Keith Knauss, however, he said that would only be “kicking the can down the road” because any reduction in contributions now would have to be made up at a later time.
The total 2014/2015 budget is $75.98 million.
Other business
• The district is seeking a permanent replacement for Chadds Ford Elementary School Principal Mark Ransford who retired last month after procedural improprieties on the PSSA exams were revealed.
Superintendent John Sanville said the position has been posted on the district Web site and has been advertised on other online sources and in print. There will be focus groups set up to get input from staff and parents. There will also be several rounds of interviews. Sanville added that he wants someone in place by the beginning of the next school year.
• Board members will vote May 19 on a $72,634 project to upgrade the kitchen facilities at Hillendale Elementary School. That project will be paid for through the district cafeteria fund.
• A community conversation on the Chadds Ford Trail, which will run along Chadds Ford Elementary School property, is planned for June 2, 6 p.m. at CFES. The Brandywine Conservancy and Pennsbury and Chadds Ford townships will take part, according to Director Carolyn Daniels.
• The board is also discussing whether or not to allow for Sunday use of district buildings for community activities not related to school use.
About Rich Schwartzman
Rich Schwartzman has been reporting on events in the greater Chadds Ford area since September 2001 when he became the founding editor of The Chadds Ford Post. In April 2009 he became managing editor of ChaddsFordLive. He is also an award-winning photographer.
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