NORWIN APPROVES FINAL BUDGET FOR THE 2017-2018 SCHOOL YEAR 2.4-Mill Tax Increase Directly Related to State-Mandated Retirement Contribution Increases orwin
NORWIN SCHOOL DISTRICT NEWS
At the Norwin Board of Education ’ s June 19 , 2017
Regular Meeting , members approved a 2017-2018 final budget that calls for $ 68.6 million in total expenditures and approved a 2.4-mill tax increase which is directly related to increases in state-mandated retirement contributions .
Most of the 17 school districts in Westmoreland County approved tax increases this year due to escalating employer contributions to the state retirement system . The 2.4-mill tax increase will cost an estimated additional $ 52 for a property with a median assessed value of $ 21,630 .
The budget demonstrates support for high-quality educational programs and services for Norwin School District ’ s more than 5,200 students in grades K-12 . The $ 68,647,066 final budget reflects an increase of $ 1.23 million , or 1.8 percent , over the current budget .
At Norwin , contributions to the state pension system are budgeted to cost approximately $ 10.4 million next year . The district is reimbursed by the Commonwealth for approximately half of this cost . These pension obligations represent a staggering 15 percent of the total budget , which equates to an increase of $ 810,980 from the current school year .
The Board and Administration are doing their best to limit the impact on staffing and student programs by reallocating , restructuring , and realigning resources under these extenuating circumstances .
Increases in state subsidies for basic education have been minimal and are less than adequate to meet normal operating costs of the District . Norwin ’ s basic education subsidy is projected to increase by $ 116,188 ; the special education subsidy is projected to increase by $ 48,185 ; and the student transportation subsidy is projected to decrease by $ 107,983 , leaving a net increase of only $ 56,390 .
“ All school districts are in a financial predicament due to limited state assistance , and due to the increased costs of state-mandated retirement contribution rates ,” said Mr . Ryan P . Kirsch , Director of Business Affairs . “ As a result , most districts are considering possible furloughs , elimination of positions through attrition , curtailment of educational programs , or tax increases . I expect that next year ’ s budget will be even more challenging .”
Summer STEM Camps at Norwin
Dozens of elementary and secondary students had the opportunity to participate in summer STEM camps created and instructed by District teachers , including , but not limited to , Coding for elementary students ; Lego Mindstorm NXT : Deep Space Terraformers for Middle School students ; and SCUBA Diving for High School students . In all , 16 camps were offered . Here are a few photos of student activities at just three of the camps .
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NORWIN AT FOREFRONT OF EFFORTS TO IMPROVE STATE FUNDING
Nearly a dozen local superintendents , including Norwin ’ s Dr . William Kerr , gathered at West Mifflin Area High School on May 31 , 2017 to urge elected officials to increase investments in public schools . It was one of five simultaneous press events held across the Commonwealth that day . Dr . Kerr also wrote an Op-Ed piece for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette summarizing efforts .
Norwin School District also participated in filming for a forthcoming video production of the Campaign for Fair Education Funding . The video is planned to be shared on social media in late summer / fall . Footage was taken of educational activities at Sunset Valley Elementary School , Norwin High School , and interviews were conducted with Board President Mr . Robert Perkins , Dr . Kerr , and Norwin Council of PTAs President Mrs . Lauren Gomez .
Also , the Norwin Board of Education approved three resolutions in May that were shared with the Governor and State Legislators . The resolutions demand reform of the state pension system , cyber charter school funding , and charter schools .
Mr . Robert Perkins , Board President , noted that the budget calls for no teacher furloughs and leaves educational programs largely intact , with some streamlining in the delivery of programs . “ The Administration worked closely with the Norwin Education Association to reach this level of staffing with an early retirement incentive ,” Mr . Perkins said . “ While there will be no furloughs in 2017-18 , there are no guarantees for 2018-19 .”
Norwin School District ’ s tax rate for next school year will be 77.6 mills in Westmoreland County . This figure includes 1.2 mills that Norwin School District collects for the Norwin Public Library , which was the result of a Norwin Library Associationgenerated referendum approved by School District voters . One mill generates approximately $ 385,000 for the School District .
The final budget is available for public inspection on the District ’ s Web site at www . norwinsd . org under “ Departments ” and “ Business Office .”
Photo from the camp titled “ Lego Mindstorm NXT : Deep Space Terraformers ” taught by Mr . Brad Zundel and Mr . Matt Mincucci . Using programming skills , sensors , and team building skills , students explored robotics .