2018-01-23 – Board FAQ

Question: Will the feasibility study specifically add the Superintendents proposed reconfiguration?
Answer: The feasibility study will look at many aspects of the district including the Superintendent’s proposed reconfiguration.

 

Question: Will the board provide a specific and precise breakdown of those items that are driving the budget shortfall and a more precise number on the 18-19 revenues?
Answer: As the district goes through the budget process more specific and precise figures will be provided.

 

Question: Is there any amount of the general fund that we could possibly use toward the 18-19 budget deficit?
Answer: As of 6/30/17, there is $2,100,010 in unassigned fund balance available and $4,080,000 in committed fund balance available.  The committed fund balance is available for PSERS retirement expense and healthcare expense.

 

Question: A pay freeze is no cost to the district, can we move on that?
Answer: A pay freeze will require the reopening of all employment contracts in the district as none of them are expiring.

 

Question: Could we alter insurance as contracts come up?
Answer: Yes, the amount employee’s pay for health insurance is a part of the negotiating process.

 

Question: What has changed that the deficit is now larger than as previously stated in November, 2017?
Answer: More precise information has been obtained through the 18/19 budget process.

 

Question: How many classes are at or below 13?
Answer: As of 12/8/17 there are three (3) classes at Avis Elementary, one (1) class at Salladasburg Elementary, zero (0) classes at the Middle School and approximately 47 classes at the High School with 13 or less students.

 

Question: Could we consider having ½ day Kindergarten?
Answer: All of our kindergarten classes are funded through the Ready to Learn Grant, which is a federally funded grant.

 

Question: What is the breakdown of the costs to move the administration building?
Answer: Currently, the only projected costs to move the administration building is Technology costs equal to $356,700.

 

Question: What are the PDE projections for the incoming Kindergarten class?
Answer: The PDE Enrollment Projection for the 2018-2019 school year is 170.

 

Question: What do the school capacities look like if the enrollment trends stay the same?
Answer: If the current Kindergarten enrollment number of 191 students per class were used for each grade level group the following would be the future capacity level at each building with the proposed new grade reconfiguration:
K-2 = 80% capacity
3-6 = 80% capacity
7-12 = 94% capacity
Typical class size enrollment for the district is anywhere from 170-180.

 

Question: What is the history of purchased land, buildings and technology for Avis & Salladasburg Elementary?
Answer: Avis Elementary was constructed in 1976.  Salladasburg Elementary was constructed in 1968 with a renovation and addition in 2001.

Technology Purchasing for Avis & Salladasburg Students from 12-13 to 17-18
Avis Elementary
12-13 – Purchased 30 computers for the one computer lab.  These computers are currently still in use.
13-14 – Purchased 90 iPad Minis
14-15 – Purchased 90 iPad Minis, Purchased 30 Apple TVs
15-16 – Leased iPad Airs and Carts for grades 2-5 (approx.  150), All iPad minis that were purchased in 13-14 & 14 -15 were shifted to Grades K-1, Leased Critical Network Infrastructure Updates, Updated wireless Access Points
16-17 – No Additional Student Technology Purchases, iPad Lease payments from 15-16
17-18 – No Additional Student Technology Purchases, iPad Lease payments from 15-16

Salladasburg
12-13 –
Purchased 30 computers for the one computer lab.  These computers are currently still in use. Purchased 60 iPad Minis
14-15 – Purchased 30 ipad Minis, Purchased 30 Apple TVs
15-16 – Leased iPad Airs & Carts for grade 2-5 (approx. 170), All iPad minis that were purchased in 13-14 & 14 -15 were shifted to Grades K-1, Leased Critical Network Infrastructure Updates, Updated wireless Access Points
16-17 – No Additional Student Technology Purchases, iPad Lease payments from 15-16=
17-18 – No Additional Student Technology Purchases, iPad Lease payments from 15-16