Burrell works on new covid-19 school plan, hikes school taxes 3%

Burrell School District is holding meetings with staff and families this month to address concerns about covid-19, which played a large role in the district’s recent school tax hike of nearly 3% for 2020-21.

Late last month, the school board approved a $32.1 million budget that includes a 3 mill property tax increase. The owner of a home assessed at $22,900 who takes advantage of the state Homestead Act will pay an additional $68 for 2020-21, said board President Tricia Shank.

One mill brings in about $150,000.

“Like every school district, payments to the Pennsylvania Public School Employees Retirement System and covid-19-related expenses impacted the budget and the unexpected impact of covid-19 will continue,” Shank said.

The district is holding a series of meetings in July with staff and families to work out the details of the new school year. The school board will hold a special meeting at 7 p.m. Aug. 4 to discuss and approve the plan for this year’s school opening, she said.

The district will be able to offer in-person and virtual classes. Details will be worked out among school administrators, the school board and families.

Administrators and board members will continue to examine anticipated and unanticipated expenses related to covid-19 concerns, Shank said.

“Given what I’ve seen from other school districts in the state, thanks to our business manager Jennifer Callahan, we are in a better condition to manage our way through this pandemic,” she said.

There have been no furloughs of employees and teachers who are retiring are being replaced, she noted.

This year, the district lost tax dollars and a transportation subsidy, Shank said.

The board decided to pull $437,000 from its general fund balance for its 2020-21 budget to cover lost revenue, Shank said. The district still is tallying anticipated lost local revenue, including decreased interest earnings, property taxes, earned income tax and real estate transfer taxes.