ELDRED — At Tuesday’s meeting, the Otto-Eldred school board heard from parents interested in pursuing a cooperative sports agreement for soccer.
Superintendent Matt Splain explained the process, with Bradford being likeliest opportunity. A student survey will take place assuming there is an opportunity to partner with a school.
During administrative reports, Splain reviewed Gov. Tom Wolf’s budget announcement with the board. Splain remarked, “If the budget is passed, total increase in revenue could be up to $70,000. This would be about half of what the district received in 2017-18. The new money proposed by the governor would be pushed out through the new Fair Funding Formula, which provides a consistent manner to distribute funds, however, it does not address inadequacies in school funding across the state.”
Splain also reviewed projected enrollments for next year as part of the initial planning for next year. Enrollment is slowing declining, creating some challenges developing a plan that meets the needs of students and maintains fiscal responsibility. The board discussed various aspects of planning considerations with administration, with a focus on appropriate class sizes, especially at the primary level.
High school Principal Harley Ramsey reported that the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford has notified the district that freshmen will no longer be permitted to enroll in dual enrollment classes through the university.
Students have expressed interest in taking classes over the summer break. This is a consideration moving forward, although budget constraints will likely dictate the scope of offerings. Probability and Statistics, Physics, Health Sciences, and World Languages are desired course options.
Principal of Elementary and Special Education Lindsay Burns reported that this years Mock Trial team made is to districts and finished in 2nd place overall. This is the best finish in school history and this team included: Andrew Sheeler, Darcie Schneider, Brandyn Delong, Scott Miller, Cole Palmer, Mackenzie Wilcox, Emmalee Sheeler, Raine Ramsey, Reagan Austin, Micah Jordan and Josh Schuessler.
At the elementary level, the new recess procedures put in place last month have been a huge success and students have been providing positive feedback. Pre-K and kindergarten registration is sent for March 6-8th. Parents are encouraged to call the district office to set up an appointment.
Meanwhile, Splain, Brenda Long and Jodi Flexman, from the business office, reviewed the budget planning process with the board. The current deficit was reportedly projected at $800,000. Typical planning at this point includes flat revenues and a maximum level of expenditures.
Many changes will likely be seen prior to spring, which will see expenses decrease and actual revenue projections increase. Total increase in expenses is less than 3 percent. From 2011 through last year, expenses for the district increased just over 17 percent, with revenues only increasing 4 percent. State funding has not kept up with a modest increase in expenses, most of which the district cannot control. Most of the budget is personnel costs. Staffing at O-E is already at a “bare bones” level. Any change in current levels would be very difficult to manage.
In new business, Matthew Windsor was nominated to continue as the Seneca Highlands Intermediate Unit 9 board representative.
Other announcements included an O-E Presents talent show to be held at 5 p.m. March 17 at the High School auditorium. About a dozen musical acts are in the lineup for the evening.
Read Across America activities are planned for the week of Feb. 26 to March 2 in the elementary school. Spirit days as well as reading activities are prepared for each day of the week. Information will be sent home with students or found on the district website.
