Tredyffrin/Easttown School Board Approves Preliminary $177M Budget

TREDYFFRIN/EASTTOWN, PA —Tredyffrin/Easttown school board voted 7-2 Monday night to approve a preliminary budget of $177 million with a 4.1 percent property tax increase.

Arthur J. McDonnell, business manager, said the increase would amount to $276 for the average homeowner in the district.

McDonnell said the final budget, will not be approved until June 12.

Board members Michele Burger and Stacy Stone voted against the budget.

Both board members expressed concern about spending $292,000 for five security guards at the elementary schools.

“Nothing showing that security guards or school resource officers with guns do anything to stop school shootings,” Stone said.

Stone suggested putting money toward prevention, including helping students have a sense of belonging in school.
Burger said the board needs additional time to evaluate adding five new positions for security.

“We are putting in security vestibules to screen people coming into our building,” she said.

Burger also suggested looking at a lower tax increase.

Dr. Richard Gusick, superintendent, said the two middle schools and high school, have security guards that are not armed school resource officers.

The superintendent said the elementary school principals said they did not have individuals dedicated solely to security.

The superintendent said the security guards would provide these services:

• Walk the perimeter of the schools;
• Assist with student arrivals and departures;
• Check doors several times a day;
• Check the perimeters of the outdoors during recess;
• Check lunchrooms;
• Help custodians check sidewalks;
• Help monitor classroom and hallways;
• Assist with emergencies;
• Assist with traffic issues; and
• Help with after-school activities.

The preliminary budget

In January, the school board voted to limit the increase to 4.1 percent.

During the presentation, McDonnell said the current year’s spending plan has not yet closed out.

The millage rate at 1.06 mills would provide an additional $5.3 million in tax revenue. He noted there would be an estimated $8 million deficit.

McDonnell said that the average annual school taxes paid in Tredyffrin/Easttown is $6,636.

The manager said that the district does not collect an earned income tax.

Todd Kantorczyk, board vice president, said there will be a lot more information available at the May finance meeting to examine.

“We are keeping all options open,” he said.

He said the expenditures include athletic fields and upgraded playground equipment.

He said the district is also considering the possibility of a new elementary school to deal with overcrowding issues. The new elementary school has not been decided.

Proposals include:

• 783 First Ave, Berwyn, near the Easttown Library
• 302 Jefferson Lane, near the Valley Forge Middle School