ST. LAWRENCE, Pa. – Members of the Exeter Township School District school board received a status update on the district budget for the 2024-25 school year at its Committee of the Whole meeting Tuesday night.
At this stage of the process, there are still many uncertainties, not the least of which is the State of Pennsylvania’s contribution to the funding.
Earlier in the day, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro gave his annual budget address in which he proposed a $1.1 billion, or 14%, increase in spending for public education. Based on Pennsylvania’s history, however, that may not realistically happen.
ETSD business administrator Brian Feick told the board that he expects schools to get at least a 3% increase from the state, but at this time, the school district was facing a $2.27 million deficit.
Superintendent Christy Haller then delivered a presentation on the budget timeline and various options to raise or reduce expenditures.
“The majority of our expenses go to salaries (43%) and benefits …