Butler Area School District administrators are working to take into account the reality of an ever-changing situation as they try to come up with a realistic budget for the 2020-21 school year.
Superintendent Dr. Brian White says the uncertainty of the current situation makes it a difficult evaluation process.
“To think that we went through we did last week, and what’s going to happen the next few weeks, can be ignored in the budgeting process would be foolish,” White said. “Our earned income tax has to be taking a hit, the ability of homeowners to pay their taxes has to be taking a hit, our businesses are taking a hit. Our revenue projections can’t possibly be exactly what they were prior to all this happening.”
Administrators will still present a balanced budget to the board for approval at an upcoming meeting. Part of that will be by eliminating five positions after retirements.
There could be some painful decisions that will need to be made, however White does not plan on suggesting a tax increase to further burden struggling residents.
“I don’t believe in any way, shape or form, with our residents going through what they’re going through, that we would be able to do a tax increase and actually expect folks to be able to pay,” White said.
A preliminary budget is expected to be presented to the school board next month with a first vote expected in May followed by final approval in June.
