KCSB Has Dialogue with Public on Pending Budget Cuts
BALD EAGLE TOWNSHIP – Thursday night was one of extended give-and-take between the Keystone Central School Board and the public as the school district continues to grapple with a pending multi-million dollar deficit for its 2018-19 fiscal year.
Dozens of options remain on the table. Prospective cuts were displayed on a screen as the board held its February session for the first time at the Central Mountain High School auditorium.
Options under consideration, all described as not pleasant, include the possible closing of Lock Haven’s Dickey Elementary School, a voter referendum on a substantial tax increase, numerous staffing cuts and an effort to negotiate a two-year wage freeze with district employees.
Board members warned the choices that will be implemented will be painful. New board member Bo Miller said of the pending $7 million deficit, “That’s why this pain is unfortunately necessary.” Veteran board member Wayne Koch, participating by phone as he recovers from recent surgery, echoed Miller, “Which side will bear the pain, the taxpayers or the students? Either way, there’s going to be a lot of pain.”
The meeting heard from representatives from the accounting firm Baker Tilly LLC that the district will soon be free from long term debt but will be faced with ever-growing pension costs. They cautioned against further use of the district’s reserve fund to cover the pension expense.
The listing of options presented by the district saw one change from earlier offerings; it is now proposed to bring back several Career and Technical Education positions, along with a music teacher. Those four slots had been ticketed for elimination.
The Dickey closing would yield a savings of $1.6 million and there was some debate if that option could be completed by the next school year. Board member Tracy Smith called for a plan on any closing implementation before a decision is made. Board president Charlie Rosamilia said the Dickey option would have to be decided on over the next month.
Next public meeting on the budget process will be part of the board’s March 1 meeting. New substitute superintendent Al Lonoconus attended his first meeting. He had spent time earlier visiting district schools, introduced by district human resources director Che Regina.
