RVSD 2017-2018 Budget: Increase In Taxes, Possible Elimination of Sports Programs

John Gerow

John Gerow

Published June 7, 2017 4:32 am
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NEW BETHLEHEM, Pa (EYT)   — Despite the impassioned pleas of half a dozen parents and former Redbank Valley softball players, it appears that the softball and baseball programs at Redbank Valley may be the first victims of the district’s persistent budget shortfalls.  

(Pictured above: Last Game? 2017 Season Final for RVHS Baseball — Photo courtesy Patty Crawford)

Softball and baseball programs discussed

During the pre-meeting work session, board member Tina Kennemuth, chair of the ad hoc cost-cutting committee, reported that her committee concluded that eliminating the softball and baseball programs would be the “least hurtful” of a bunch of bad options. Prefacing her remarks with this statement, “this was no easy task and these recommendations come with a cost and a heavy heart.” Mrs. Kennemuth presented the potential savings to the district from eliminating these two programs. According to Kennemuth, baseball (and, by extension, softball) are the most expensive scholastic sports per participating student.  These two programs represent about 25% of the district’s total sports budget.  Kennemuth continued to report that the New Bethlehem Little League is an exceptional organization that offers community-based alternatives to scholastic baseball.  She also pointed out that there is not a baseball field at the high school and that students transport themselves and others to and from the local fields that they use for practice and games, presenting an on-going liability issue for the district.  Committee member Ann Kopnitsky added that she was pleased with the committee’s recommendation because “they were data-driven conclusions.”

Track program discussed

Board member Dee Bell questioned if the savings to the district might be greater by eliminating the track sports. Bell’s contention is that the district will have to spend, what may turn out to be over $100,000.00 to renovate the track before too many more seasons.  He suggested that eliminating track sports would generate greater savings.  The board should have a solid idea of the cost of renovating the track before making a decision on cutting baseball and softball, if the track renovation is too expensive to be undertaken.  Bell also asked Mrs. Kennemuth what the value was of baseball and softball scholarships awarded to Redbank seniors for softball and baseball.  Mrs. Kennemuth said that she did not have that information.

Business classes and technical education programs considered for cuts

But, baseball and softball were not the only areas where the cost-cutting committee found potential savings for the district. Specifically, Mrs. Kennemuth pointed out that the business classes and the technical education programs have very few students per class and that classes could be consolidated and restructured to save money.  She also suggested that some of these classes are offered in conjunction with other departments and that one solution could be to turn over what are currently joint classes to the other academic departments.  The report also suggests that significant savings could be realized by outsourcing cafeteria and custodial services.  Superintendent Drzewiecki told the assembly that there was PA Department of Education procedures and protocols that would have to be followed in order to do such outsourcing.

Other Business:

The regular monthly meeting followed the lengthy work session.  About 60 residents of the district were in attendance, including several girls from a girl scout troop who were attending a public meeting for merit badge credit.  Four of the residents spoke during the public comment session at the start of the meeting in support of strengthening the nursing staff and in support of keeping the baseball and softball programs intact.  At least two of the speakers pointed out that children can only play little league until the age of 16.  Residents suggested across the board cuts instead of elimination of whole programs.

District Superintendent Michael Drzewiecki reported at the meeting that he had surveyed area school districts to determine how common it is for districts to post the board meeting agendas for the public.  Eight of the 12 school districts that responded to his query do make school board meeting agendas public prior to the meetings.  President Chad Shaffer added posting the agenda on the district’s website to the evening’s agenda.  When it came to a vote, all of the board members voted in favor.

Mr. Drziecki also presented several options for expanding nurse coverage at the schools.  After some discussion, the board voted 6 — 3 to organize the school health services to include one certified school nurse and three LPN certified nurse’s aides.

The board addressed the thorny issue of taxes.  Redbank Valley has not had to raise taxes in many years and still has more than $7 million in the district’s fund balance.  The board voted 7 — 2 in favor of raising real estate taxes by 5% across the district.  Only Brian Dougherty and Glenn Watson voted against the tax increase.  The board voted unanimously to leave all other school taxes the same as last year.  Having approved their funding, the board next approved the general fund budget for 2017 — 2018.  The district is now planning to spend $17,804,587.00 to operate for the 2017 — 2018 school year.  Board members Donald Nair and Bill Reddinger voted against the spending plan.  Even at this level of taxation and spending, the district is still projecting a significant budget shortfall for 17 — 18.

Following the discussion of cutting sports programs and voting to raise taxes, the board went on to approve additional spending for 20 additional “per diem” days for Guidance Office staff, 10 additional “per diem” days for Athletic Director Randy Hartle, and seven additional “per diem” days for Thomas Logan, “Dean of Students.”  The board also approved hiring Michael Fricko as assistant Junior high girl’s basketball coach at a cost of $2,536.50.

Board President Chad Shaffer called an executive session to determine the appropriateness of a motion to vote on the cost-cutting committee’s recommendations as presented.  Following the executive session, Dr. Shaffer announced that there would be a special meeting on Friday, June 9, to discuss the committee’s recommendations.

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