Keystone Oaks Passes $33.9M Budget

The school board adopted a $33.9 million spending plan that does not raise taxes and keeps the millage rate at 22.03.

The board voted unanimously Thursday night to adopt the 2011-2012 budget, which required using about $425,000 from its fund balance.

A homeowner with a home worth $82,800—the district median—would pay about $1,884.

Earlier this year, the district said it was facing a loss of more than $1 million.

Gwen Walker, district director of fiscal services, said although there’s been some talk in Harrisburg of restoring educational funding in the state budget, the district couldn’t wait.

The spending plan contained no surprises.

The district earlier this year said it would not replace 21 retiring teachers. That will lead to slightly larger class sizes. 

The budget also eliminates elementary reading and math coaches, which had been grant-funded.

Advanced Placement social studies classroom instruction will be reduced, but the programming will be available online.

However, the district is keeping its two mental health specialists, who treat about 50 students with severe emotional problems.

Art, library, music and physical education classes are also being kept.

Also, the district also did not cut any athletic programs or other activities, something other districts have had to do, Walker said.