The Proposed Budget represents an increase of .33 mills down from the .79 mills that was proposed when the January Preliminary Budget was brought forth.  The 2012-13 millage rate of 41.19 has been recalculated to 13.57 as a result of the recent Lehigh County property reassessment project.

To read key points of the budget, please click “read more” below.

Key Points of the 2013-14 Proposed Budget

• Challenges impacting Parkland include assessment appeals, underfunded mandated special education costs and increasing state-mandated contributions to the PSERS pension system
• The 2012-13 Budget required a tax increase of 1.46 mills or 3.67% totaling 41.19 mills with a total budget of $137,763,365
• The Act 1 Index for Parkland for 2013-14 is 1.7% = $1,640,106 or 0.23 mills
• Exceptions for PSERS and Special Education total approximately = $2,600,000 or 0.36 mills
• Parkland is recommending a $4 Million appropriation of Fund Balance which equates to 0.56 mills to offset the proposed tax increase and balance the budget
• On February 19, 2013 the School Board adopted a preliminary budget depicting a tax increase of 0.79 mills or 5.82% with a total millage impact of 14.36
• The Proposed Final General Fund Budget of $143,684,085 depicts a tax increase of 0.33 mills or 2.43% totaling 13.90 mills
• The District projects that Parkland’s final budget, scheduled for adoption on June 25, 2013, will have an even lower tax increase than the financial plan presented today
• As of May 21, 2013, one mill of property tax produces approximately $7,368,562 at a 100% collection rate
• Borrowing completed for Capital Projects will help as capital improvement projects, technology infrastructure projects and bus purchases will move out of the general fund budget allowing the District to mitigate any additional millage impact for 2013-14 other than the required debt service payments
• The Governor’s proposed budget contains $144,815 in the Accountability Block Grant and $248,670 restored in Basic Education Funding, but uncertainty surrounding the state budget could jeopardize Parkland’s ability to receive these appropriations.

Superintendent Richard T. Sniscak noted, “The time period between now and adoption of a final budget on June 25^th will be important as our administrative team and School Board continue to analyze every revenue and expenditure item with the hope of bringing the proposed tax increase even lower than the 2.43% proposed today.  Challenges impacting Parkland include real estate assessment appeals, underfunded special education mandated costs and increasing mandated contributions to the PSERS pension system.  Parkland School District’s 2013-14 financial plan represents the most essential educational needs of our students while respectfully considering the ability of the taxpaying public to support a high quality, comprehensive educational program.”

The Proposed Budget represents an increase of .33 mills down from the .79 mills that was proposed when the January Preliminary Budget was brought forth.  The 2012-13 millage rate of 41.19 has been recalculated to 13.57 as a result of the recent Lehigh County property reassessment project.

Mr. Jeff Bartman received his Bachelor of Science degree in Secondary Education, General Science/Biology and Master of Education degree from Kutztown University. He completed his principal’s certification at Wilkes University, majoring in Education Leadership.  Mr. Bartman’s most recent experience in Parkland School District was serving as Dean of Students.  Previous to his administration role, he was a classroom teacher for 17 years.

Mr. Richard Sniscak, Superintendent of Schools stated, “Mr. Bartman is a strong leader who possesses highly effective communication and interpersonal skills which allow him to be effective with children, parents, teachers, community members, and fellow administrators.  Jeff is an individual who strives for excellence in all he does and possesses a high degree of enthusiasm and motivation.  We look forward to welcoming him into this new position.”

Download the coupon here.  Parkland School District will receive a dollar for every coupon that is redeemed on Friday nights from May 3 – June 7!

Enjoy!

Parkland High School was ranked 55th out of 687 high schools in Pennsylvania.  For the complete article, please visit:  http://www.usnews.com/education/high-schools/articles/2013/04/23/us-news-releases-2013-best-high-schools-rankings

April 10-14, 2013

More than 7,000 tickets have been sold to the PHS Spring musical, ”The Phantom of the Opera,” performances.  Congratulations to the cast and crew.  Break a leg this week!

For the full press release, click here: Velingker State Champ.

Ironton Elementary DARE Graduation.  South Whitehall Township Police Officer Dave Keck presides over the graduation ceremony which is the culmination event to a program that teaches children about drug prevention and awareness.