West Chester School Board Wrap Up

The met on Monday night.  Here are the highlights.

• The community budget task force began its meetings earlier this month.  They are tasked with looking for ways to close the school district's potential $5.3 million shortfall for the 2012-2013 school year.  Superintendent Dr. Jim Scanlon said that 300 people have registered to serve on the task force, and that 130 people have already been assigned to committees.  The task force will present a preliminary report to the school board on December 1, and a special meeting will be held on December 7 to present the findings to the public.
• According to district Director of Business Affairs Dr. Suzanne Moore the district is facing a $5.3 million deficit for 2012-2013.  However, if the district raises taxes in accordance with Act 1, that deficit could fall to $3.3 million, and if the board takes the Act 1 exception, the deficit could fall to $1.5 million.
• The district finally got approval from to finish renovations on Westtown-Thornbury Elementary School.
• The district also got approval to construct lights atstadium.  According to Dr Scanlon, "We have approvals to make the project move forward.  However, we still need to secure funding for the lights, and we're working through that process."