MOUNT CARMEL - Members of the Mount Carmel Area School Board had hoped to have its 2011-2012 spending plan ready for its workshop Thursday, but they asked for more time before making tough decisions.
Ninety minutes into the session, district solicitor Edward Greco informed administrators - who were sitting outside the meeting room, in case the board had questions for them - that they were no longer needed and could go home for the night. He then informed the press that he had no information to release, and that the board hoped to hold one more work session before its regular meeting June 22, when the final budget is scheduled to be passed.
The board approved a $17,702,743.44 proposed final budget on May 19, which included the administration's recommendation for a 5-mill increase for residents in Northumberland County and a 2.54-mill increase in Columbia County. At the time, the board said they hoped to either eliminate or reduce the tax increase if state funding increased when Pennsylvania's budget is passed.
The tax increase would raise $350,000, but the district is facing a $2 million deficit, brought on by a $1.4 million dollar decrease in funding from the state. After the first couple meetings, the board was optimistic that they could balance the budget without raising taxes.
Since passing the preliminary budget, the board has met for weekly work sessions.
"We are looking at every possible way we can to cut the budget and we hope to do so with the least amount of impact to our students," board President Rose Marquardt said two weeks ago.
"We will be looking at cutting programs, furloughing teachers and checking into the contract of every service that is provided to the district," Superintendent Cheryl Latorre said June 2. "We will be in contact in the near future with the state Department of Education seeking approval to close some programs."
During the first half-hour, members of the public raised concerns over programs rumored to be cut.
Several parents and coaches spoke in support of the girls volleyball team.
"We have had signups with 30 girls that want to participate and we held our first fundraiser," said parent Anne Frasch. "We have girls who will be attending volleyball camps in July and we don't want that to be wasted. Some of the senior girls are being looked at by collegiate programs, but if the program is taken away, they have no shot."
The parents said many of the players have developed self-esteem and a sense of teamwork playing the organized sport.
The coaches said it costs about $3,500 a year to run the program, and they hope to produce more revenue for the district in 2012 with more home games. The team had only five games last year, when the high school gymnasium floor was being refurbished; they have scheduled nine this year.
Barbara Bettleyon, teacher for the Pre-K Counts program, spoke in support of the program and how its $146,000 cost is being paid exclusively by grant money, not the district.
"The students who come through the program benefit greatly and we have worked to be frugal with the money we have to help the district. This year's grant is for salaries and benefits alone for the teacher and aides, and snacks for the students," Bettleyon said.
In fact, Bettleyon has been able to use part of the money to help purchase gym equipment and supplies, including picnic tables and a pavilion at the elementary school.
The board thanked both groups for their input before continuing the session.
The board met with athletic director Greg Sacavage and head football coach Carmen DeFrancesco in an executive session to discuss personnel issues.