Gateway School Board adopts budget with 4.1% tax increase

Gateway School Board on June 21 adopted the 2022-23 budget of $92.5 million, reflecting a 5.61% increase from the last school year’s spending plan.

As a result of the increase, the district’s real estate tax rate will increase by 4%, to 21.7479 mills. This equates to approximately $2.17 on each $100 of assessed taxable property.

Board members expressed their dismay with the increase of taxes, but made it clear that the increased budget is a necessity.

“We had three very detailed public meetings regarding the budget,” said Jack Bova, board president. “It is always difficult and painful to raise taxes.”

Board member Mary Beth Cirucci encouraged those concerned about the tax increase to contact their state elected officials.

According to the current timeline of educational planning, Harrisburg releases the education budget for Pennsylvania after each school has adopted a budget. That leaves districts unaware of what money they are able to save when determining their spending plans.

“School districts in Pennsylvania are required to have a finalized budget by the end of June,” said Cirucci. “We have to pass a budget before we even know what the education budget decided by the state is.”

Monroeville resident Cheryl Boise voiced her concern.

“This has got to stop,” she said at the meeting. “A lot of other states are better at funding their schools than Pennsylvania.”

With the new budget, Gateway was able to keep all programs offered for students. Board members also passed a budget for just over $2.1 million dedicated to cafeteria funding.

The meeting also featured approval of the continuation of multiple learning services, including Waterfront Learning and Navigate360, and of purchases in the technology, elementary assistant superintendent and secondary superintendent departments.

The board also approved donations made to the school’s robotics club and announced multiple resignations from Ramsey Elementary, Moss Side Middle School, Evergreen Elementary and Cleveland Steward Elementary. Bova then announced that there is still a vacancy in the head of human resources position, and applications are being accepted.

Wages for summer program instructors were approved, and insurance budgets for multiple clubs and sports are pending.

John Ritter, vice president of the board, was elected as Gateway’s delegate for the Pennsylvania School Boards Association conference, scheduled in November in Harrisburg.Representatives will be expected to present literature on behalf of their respective districts to discuss grievances, needs or desired changes. Board members will be required to pass a motion deciding what issues Ritter will present.

The board also announced that Monroeville Park is no longer serving free lunches for the summer. All other serving sites will remain active through Aug. 11 (closed the week of July 4 Garden City VFD #6 small banquet room, Beechwood Park (behind Ramsey Elementary) and Pitcairn Borough Park Building.

Community members ages 18 and under are able to get free lunch from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. Lunches must be eaten at the sites.