At its meeting on Wednesday, June 14, 2023, the South Park School District Board of Directors approved a budget for the 2023-2024 fiscal year in the amount of $41,566,883.80 with a millage rate of 27.13. With the addition of programs beginning next year, the 2023-2024 final budget provides the district with the resources needed to meet the academic, emotional and social needs of all learners. The final budget represents a 2.2 percent increase from the 2022-2023 fiscal year budget.
The majority of South Park School District’s revenues come from local taxes, with state and federal funding being additional contributing factors. The slight increase in the total budget as well as the millage rate can be attributed to multiple factors. Our district is experiencing the same macroeconomic challenges and inflation in costs for materials and services as our families and businesses within the community. In addition, phases of the American Rescue Plan Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief funding are beginning to expire with no new federal dollars to replace it.
Another key budgeting factor is the continued growth of our district that has necessitated the renovation project at South Park Elementary Center. The district’s board approved a second of three scheduled borrowings in December 2022. In the 2023-2024 final budget, the district will experience an increase in debt service expenditures of $352,121 for the Elementary project. An additional $105,693 in debt service expenditures will be spent for the renovation of Steel Center for Career and Technical Education in Jefferson Hills. The district is part-owner of this career and technical center.
Approximately 64% of the district’s 2023-2024 expenditures are for faculty/staff salaries and benefits. The district and all school districts in the Allegheny County Schools Health Insurance Consortium will face a 14 percent increase in healthcare costs this coming school year. While charter schools and cyber school expenditures remain stable, the district is experiencing an increase in special education and out-of-district placement costs.
To review the budget in its entirety, please click here.
As of June 14, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania had not approved a 2023-2024 fiscal year budget. The South Park School District is required to have an approved fiscal year budget in place by June 30 each year.