The Allentown Board of School Directors discussed the proposed budget for the 2021-22 school year during a Special Finance Committee meeting on Monday evening. The presentation can be viewed here and below.
Over the last several years, the district has made significant improvements in its budgeting process and management of its fiscal affairs, including reducing the projected deficit.
Early internal estimates to close the 20-21 fiscal year budget have proven to be more favorable than the district's original budget projections, but still show a structural deficit. ASD originally projected a fund balance of roughly $1.7 million, however, the district will end the year with just over $5 million in savings. Despite this progress, ASD continues to face rising costs associated with charter school payments, retirement contributions, and special education, which annually eclipse most revenue increases the district sees.
Facing a potential deficit, the district was able to present a balanced budget for FY22, in part due to a one-time influx of federal funding in the form of Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER), provided as part of the COVID-19 relief package.
The proposed budget assumes no increases in state subsidies, and a Real Estate Millage increase of 4.6% percent. ASD plans to use the ESSER funding to maintain district operations, improve air quality and ventilation in buildings, and invest in academic programs & resources. While the federal ESSER funds provide critical resources needed to maintain district operations, they will do little to address the district’s long-term financial needs due to a lack of sustainable funding at the state level.
The ASD Board seeks input and feedback from the Allentown community through a survey on proposed uses of the federal ESSER dollars. The survey takes a few minutes to complete and is available for residents to take here:https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/FHSPW2K.
On Thursday, May 27, the board will vote on the proposed final 2021-22 budget, which will then be posted publicly on the ASD website for review. Approval of the final budget is expected at the board’s June 24 meeting.
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