School Board Seeks Ways to Close $4.7 Million Budget Deficit

            Last Thursday, the Quakertown Community School Board of Directors reviewed options to close a $4.7 million projected structural budget deficit for the 2017-2018 school year. According to Superintendent William Harner, who presented detailed budgeting information to the board, the problem will only be compounded in future years if not addressed.

The crisis, as Harner described it, is the result of a decrease in student population in district with a 30% poverty rate. Harner described his plan as finding a way to serve students while also maintaining the current tax rate. For the 2016-2017 school year, the district's millage rate increased from 149.73 mills to 153.32 mills.

In addition, Harner explained that the deficit would prevent the district from proceeding with implementation of their facilities plan.

            Options presented during Thursday night's meeting included the closing of three district schools – Milford Middle School, Quakertown Elementary, and Tohickon Valley Elementary.

According to Harner, the buildings have become obsolete and each require expensive ongoing maintenance.

            "They are our three worst buildings," Harner said.

            Over 100 people were in attendance for the presentation, raising concerns about school closures, as well as the possibility of layoffs. Several Quakertown teachers spoke out about the need to keep vital programming in the district.

            Harner maintained, however, that most of the staff cuts would be through attrition and would only ultimately result in elimination of the district's cyber program. According to Harner, the program has fewer than 15 full-time students. Students wishing to continue with a cyber learning environment would still have the option of a cyber charter school.

            Regarding the school closures, Harner offered multiple options to restructure class compositions in other schools to accommodate the students.

            The plan would save the district $2.1 million in operational costs for the 2017-2018 school year with a total possible savings of over $8.8 million.

            The board, who tasked Harner with exploring ways to meet a budget shortfall last month, did not act upon the plan but thanked Harner for coming up with multiple options to solve the issue.

            "This is the biggest reduction in costs I've seen in awhile that doesn't reduce services," Vice President Charles Shermer commented.

            A final proposed budget is expected to be approved during the April 27 meeting with adoption occurring June 1.