SCSD Finalizes, Adopts 2022-23 Budget

The Spring Cove School District Board of Directors voted unanimously by an 8-0 vote to adopt the final 2022-23 General Fund Budget in the amount of $30,105,921, reflecting a 2 percent increase in tax millage, setting the final tax millage at 11.25 mills. For a property with assessed value of $100,000, this would mean a jump in taxes of $22 annually. This will leave the district a budget deficit of $2,164,156. Board member Chuck Gojmerac left the meeting prior to the budget vote.

This represents the first tax increase in the district in three years. Following the vote, board member Troy Wright reminded the board that the school district could gain revenue by taking its share of transfer of property tax from local municipalities, which it has not done in the past. Wright said this is something the board needs to look at for next year’s budget. The board examined cuts in all possible areas, but the largest expenditures for the district by far remain expenditures on salaries and pensions. The board’s increase allowed all services for students to remain intact.

Superintendent Dr. Betsy Baker publicly expressed thanks and appreciation to retiring Business Manager Kathy Hazenstab for the job she has done over the last five years.

“She has worked tirelessly during that time frame to identify cost savings, to increase revenues, to train new staff in the Business Office, and to effectively manage the district’s finances,” Baker said.

She also thanked board members Acker-Knisely, Biddle, Deterline, Gahagan, and Smith, who, along with other community members and Spring Cove School District retirees, operated stations at the Personal Finance Festival for Central seniors so they had the opportunity to engage a budget simulation in preparation for life after graduation.

Commencement was held on June 2; 148 seniors graduated. Over $78,000 in scholarship money was awarded to this class. The meeting began with a recognition of the State Champion Central High School Baseball team. The team earned their title with a 13-2 victory over Lancaster Catholic. Baker thanked the community for supporting the team throughout their 27-0 season. It was the second state championship Central has claimed in baseball.

Several coaches were approved for the 2022-23 season including: Terri Feather to fill the position of junior high cheerleading co-coach with a stipend of $1,710; Shawn Coopersmith to fill the position of assistant varsity girls tennis coach with a stipend of $1,773; Kenneth Streilen to fill the position of assistant varsity girls’ volleyball coach at a salary of $3,341; and Blake Over to fill the position of assistant varsity girls basketball coach at a salary of $2,682.

The board accepted the resignation of Jeff Guyer, middle school principal, with his last day being June 30. The board also passed the motion to employ Ryan Baranik to fill the position of assistant principal at Spring Cove Middle School, with his annual compensation set at $71,000 for the 2022-23 school year.

Dr. Baker also announced that the district reported a decrease again this year in workers compensation costs due to the ongoing efforts of the Safety Committee and Business Office as they work together for school safety and any claims processed effectively.

Dr. Baker additionally reported all Pennsylvania students are now required to pass a civics exam prior to graduation. All Central High School seniors successfully achieved this goal, with 18 obtaining a perfect score. Those students received a certificate provided by the state in their diploma folder.

Under Building and Grounds Committee a motion to approve the maintenance/capital projects list for 2022-23 was approved unanimously.

The next regular Spring Cove School District Board of Directors meeting is scheduled for Monday, July 18, at 7 p.m. in the administration office board room.