More on Ms. Klein's Forecast

Looking more closely at the 1.4.11 Forecast, specifically the Federal (incl stimulus funds) line that represents 2% of the Revenue, I found two articles today that Ms. Klein should read.  State tuition voucher proposal on path fraught with questions.

"This school year, the state is counting on $654.7 million in federal economic stimulus money to help foot the basic education subsidy bill.

But that money -- which accounts for about 11 percent of the basic education subsidy this school year -- is not expected to be renewed for 2011-12. The state also expects to lose millions of dollars in stimulus money for other aspects of education and other services."

The other article that Ms. Klein should read is Politicians Balance Budgets With Money for Classrooms. 
"U.S. governors and legislatures facing deficits of more than $140 billion are slashing local school budgets, cuts that may mean jammed classrooms, fewer teachers and libraries without librarians."

This is not good news at a time when the School District is asking the Commission for final approval on the High School project. 

Are we getting balanced BUDGET reporting?

The Mt. Lebanon School District has posted the 1/4/2011 Forecast on the District website.  Spoiler alert!  It isn't balanced.  Even I noticed that.  The Real Estate Tax line is flat.  I have some questions whether they should be showing anything for Gaming.  What about the Federal stimulus funds?  I thought they were going away.  Best case scenario shows an estimate of a 41.37% millage INCREASE in five years.  Come on guys!  Do we need to have Mr. Feller and Ms. Taylor show you how to do it?  They televised budget hearings and posted a balanced budget. The School District doesn't even hold Audit and Finance Committee meetings!  Keep flashing your transparency i.d. card.  It hasn't sunk in yet with the community.

Update:11:37 a.m. The Forecast in its current form shows a 21.14% increase.  In order to balance the budget, the millage needs to be increased, resulting in a 41.37% millage increase in five years.  This is just an estimate and doesn't reflect some of the expenses which are offset by corresponding increases in State contributions (revenues).

Update: 11:29 p.m. About the Gaming...From the School District website:
Gambling Fund
Annually, the Budget Secretary for Pennsylvania certifies the amount of slots (gambling) funds available for real estate tax relief if sufficient funds are available in the fund.  The exact amount available per homeowner will vary by school district, but is estimated by the State that for Mt. Lebanon it will be $188  per eligible homeowner for 2010.  These gambling funds will be rebated through a reduction in assessment of owner-occupied homes via homestead exemptions.  Each owner-occupied home will receive the exact same tax reduction, not a percentage reduction based on the value of the home.  This reduction in taxes will be clearly noted on the tax bills.  It is important to note that the gambling monies are not guaranteed and may differ in amounts from year to year if they are approved.  Any money the District receives from gambling funds must be returned in total through this homestead exemption process.  

http://www.mtlsd.org/district/budget/taxissues.asp