Pennridge School Board unanimously passed a more than $159.1 million general fund budget at its June monthly meeting, representing the district’s eighth consecutive balanced budget without the need to increase local tax rates.
The district administration and the school board described it as a “fiscally sound spending plan that provides a strong foundation to support current programs and initiatives while preparing the Pennridge School District for the future with no additional tax increases for the residents of the Pennridge District municipalities.”
The 2024-2025 General Fund budget also includes an increase in spending of $4.5 million, or 2.9 percent, from the FY2024 Budget of $154.6 million.
Pennridge Superintendent Angelo Berrios said, in part, “This balanced budget underscores our dedication to providing excellent educational opportunities while being mindful of the financial realities faced by our community.”
Ron Wurz, president of the Pennridge School Board of Directors, said he was “thrilled that we have been able avoid a tax increase while still keeping our facilities in great shape, adding new educational opportunities and raising salaries to make sure we are competitive in the marketplace. These results are a testament to our excellent financial team and administration.”
Public discussions on the budget, which began in November, are available on the district’s RNN-On Demand YouTube channel as well as the School Board’s monthly updates. A copy of the final budget is available online.
Highlights in the 2024-2025 Pennridge School District budget include:
● Maintaining ESSER Funded Positions. The 2024-2025 budget includes funds to maintain six teaching positions and nine teaching assistant positions previously funded with Federal ESSERS Funds. Pandemic-related funding for public school districts is quickly ending, and Districts must obligate ESSER III funds by September.
● Funding for two employee collective bargaining agreements. During the 2023-2024 School Year, the Pennridge School District recently settled collective bargaining agreements with the Pennridge Education Association and the Pennridge Educational Support Professionals Association. These agreements aim to establish and maintain a competitive position throughout Bucks County regarding employee salaries.
● Addition of a new position to support Special Education and Additional Security. The 2024-205 budget afforded the addition of one special education teacher at the Secondary Level as well as the expansion of the district’s security force.
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