NBC Board Approves Property Tax Increase

The Northern Bedford County School District Board of Directors approved a 3.65% property tax increase for the 2024/25 school year representing a hike of .34 of a mill. This will represent a $45 annual tax increase for the average household.

The only dissenting vote opposing the budget came from board member Ralph Scott. The General Fund Budget for 2024/25 will have revenues of $15,692,251 and expenditures of $16,482,065 with a deficit of $789,814.

The local revenue from real estate tax of $3,289,204 is anticipated at 94 percent collection rate. This does not include money from the state which has not passed their budget for 2024/25. This represents a difference of $40,000 from last year’s budget.

Superintendent Todd Beatty said the 3.65% hike represented half of the allowable tax increase allowed under Act I of 7.3%. Those eligible for the Homestead/Farmstead exemption would get back $250.85.

There is a current budgetary reserve of $300,000 in the district. Northern Bedford County School District has the lowest millage rate and the highest household income of any district in the county.

Cyber charter school costs for the upcoming year will be $354,639 for 22 students. If House bill 2370 is passed in the state senate there will be $167,000 for cyber schooling.

Special education is the other huge cost for the district. NBC’s cost in the areas of cyber school and special education account for over $750,000 in cost to the

district. There will be $14,000 less from the federal government this upcoming year . Superintendent Beatty continues to encourage people to express their concerns over the cost of these two areas and needed state assistance to Representative Topper and Senator Steffano.

The major summer projects for the district include air conditioning for the elementary multi purpose room, office repainting and carpet, and carpet in the library and K-5 rooms.

The blacktop around the stadium and Career and Technology Center building resealing project has been completed. The new wellness building project is in progress and the CTC building will be painted as well. Additional smaller projects will be occurring as well.

Parents may schedule a date and time for new student registration for 2024/25 by calling 814-766-4734 OR 814-766-4754.

The class of 2024 consisted of 64 seniors who attended Northern Bedford during the 2023/24 school year. The Southern Cove/Yellow Creek ministerium held a baccalaureate service on Tuesday, May 28 and commencement activities were held on Thursday, May 30.

Administration representatives met with members from Children and Youth Services to discuss attendance trends and receive updates from District Magistrate Diehl. During the meeting, school attendance hearings, truancy courses, and the legalities of working with transient students were discussed.

It was also noted that the school district has seen a marked decline in vaping.

NBC will have no July board meeting. The August meeting will be held August 13, 2024 in Room 136 of the high school.