Pine-Richland Schools Looking at $672,800 Cut in State Funding

A preliminary look at education cuts proposed yesterday by Gov. Tom Corbett shows Pine-Richland School District can expect at least a $672,800 decrease in state funding, according to figures provided by the district.

"With all of the news coverage lately regarding the governor's budget, we were fully expecting reductions in our state funding," said Dana Siford, director of finance and school services.

Pine-Richland School Board adopted a in February that assumed about $12 million in revenue from the state. The proposed cut represents about 1 percent of the total preliminary budget.

The board's finance committee meets at 5:30 p.m. to discuss the budget at the at 702 Warrendale Road in Gibsonia, directly behind Pine-Richland High School.

"Throughout the budget process, we will be looking at cuts in spending and not replacing vacant positions unless absolutely necessary," said Siford.

"Discussions will continue over the next couple of months in regards to a possible tax increase and possible reductions in programs," she added.

Superintendent Dr. Mary Bucci sent a in February that explained the district's budget situation and outlined three options:

1. Do not increase taxes. Cut personnel, programs and/or services to balance budget.

2. Raise taxes by .3724 mills to cover cost-of-living increases in personnel, programs and/or services. Some reductions still might be needed.

3. Raise taxes by 1.31 mills and maintain most existing personnel, programs and/or services. Reduce costs by not filling vacant positions, improving efficiency or delaying improvements. 

To see Pine-Richland School District's preliminary budget, click here.

To see Superintendent Dr. Mary Bucci's message on the budget, copy and paste this link: http://pinerichland.schoolwires.net/pinerichland/cwp/view.asp?A=3&Q=285750&C=55399&2021Nav=|&NodeID=171