Record cyber charter enrollment creating budget crunch for Mahanoy, says business manager
MAHANOY CITY – Mahanoy Area’s cyber charter enrollment is at a record high, costing the district $1.7 Million, an increase of $400,000, the district’s business manager said Thursday.
John Hurst, business manager for the Mahanoy Area School District, told the school board at Thursday’s regular meeting that the 93 pupils enrolled in a cyber charter school in the district is the highest they’ve had.
“It continues to escalate,” Hurst said. “Based on my current projections, that would cost us $1.7 Million this year, which is $400,000 over what we budgeted.”
“We could potentially be starting off next year with a $400,000 increase in charter schools alone,” Hurst added.
Combined with other district needs and salary increases, the increase could cause a budget crunch for the district next year.
“It’s going to be a challenge,” Hurst said.
In other business, the district:
- Approved the tax repository sale of 910 East Centre Street in Mahanoy City to Roberto Benenati for $1,424;
- Approved an agreement extending the district’s bus and van buy-back program with Brightbill Body Works for three years;
- Approved donating 10 surplus laptop carts to Minersville Area;
- Approved the following pool party rates:
- Under 25 kids: $125 for resident, $165 for non-resident
- Over 25 kids: $145 for resident, $185 for non-resident
- Approved a daily meal allowance of $50 per day for all staff while travelling;
- Approved a memorandum of understanding with Pennsylvania College of Technology for dual enrollment courses, to be taught in the district’s STEM lab;
- Approved a proposal from PSBA for a compensation study for administrative and non-bargaining positions at a cost of $4,200;
- Approved the purchase of a 2023 ArcticCat side-by-side for $22,240.50;
- Approved a change order with McClure Company to replace unit ventilators and install new VRF systems in two band and life skills classrooms for $269,739;
- Approved five medical leaves of absence;
- Approved the hiring of Laura Price, Barnesville, as a Bear Pride program teacher at an hourly rate of $24.40;
- Approved Suzanne Mayberry, Barnesville, as advisor for the Esports team at a salary of $750;
- Approved homebound instruction for a student for six weeks, to be taught by Hannah Mintz, Drums, at an hourly rate of $25.75 for a maximum of 5 hours per week;
- Approved the coordinator of special education and curriculum agreement;
- Approved the addition of a high school chess club;
- Approved updated Attendance Policy 204;
- Approved Francis Bowman, Barnesville, as an assistant varsity track coach at a salary of $3,089.34;
- Approved Jacquelyn Boyle, Barnesville, as junior high intramurals coordinator at a salary of $750;
- Approved Slayden Wargo and Aaron Bickowski, both of Mahanoy City, as baseball volunteers;
- Approved the hiring of Patricia Petritsch, Delano, as a substitute cafeteria employee at $13/hr;
- Approved the resignation of Mary Beth Bales, Barnesville, as administrative assistant to the director of special education.
About Author
