Preliminary Jeannette school budget includes no property tax increase

A preliminary 2021-22 budget for Jeannette City School District passed this week with no tax property increase, according to Business Manager Paul Sroka.

The $4 million proposed spending plan includes a deficit of about $400,000, that is “mainly attributed to cyber-related costs,” he said. The price for cyber schooling at outside entities is rising — projected to be $1.4 million for next school year compared to $969,000 in 2018-19.

About 78 students informed the district they plan to go to a cyber school next year. During the 2019-20 school year, that number was 52. The increase is driving up costs for the district, which operates its own virtual academy, because it has to pay the cyber school for each student who attends.

“The district has to be prepared for 78 enrolled right now,” Sroka said.

Ultimately, the cyber school cost will be a big unknown because students can decide at any time to enroll or switch to in-person learning.

“That is the key component that is driving the education costs,” he said.

The deficit may shrink over the next month as Sroka plans to analyze revenue streams to see if there is any wiggle room.

A vote on a final budget is set for June 21.

Districts are responsible for funding charter schools based on a statutory funding formula for both regular and special education students. Costs can vary from school to school, ranging from $7,500 for mainstream students to $40,000 for special education students.

According to the Keystone State Education Coalition, a grassroots organization, more than $13.9 million was spent on charter school tuition during the 2018-19 year among 11 Westmoreland County school districts.