District’s budget proposal contains increase in school tax

The North Hills School District’s proposed budget contains a tax increase, but members say the budget could change before final adoption on June 3.

Under the $88.2 million spending plan, taxes would rise by 0.39 mills. That means a resident whose home is valued at $135,000 would pay $52.65 more per year.

Board President Allison Mathis noted April 29 that the district did not raise taxes last year, but instead cut some things that they would like to provide for students.

“When budgeting, we need to think about the financial short-term and long-term impact,” she said.

The proposed budget includes seven new positions: four teachers, one nurse and two school psychologists. One of the psychologists will assist with testing and assessments, while the other will concentrate on students’ mental well-being.

“Throughout this year, we have heard from the community, teachers and staff about the growing social and emotional and mental health needs of our community. As a district, and as a board, we now have the opportunity in this moment to do the right thing and address these needs through hiring extra supports,” Ms. Mathis said.

“They would be credentialed to provide therapy and work with teachers and counselors on social and emotional regulation.”

She added that North Hills has the highest ratio of students per psychologists in the area.

Board member Deanna Philpott noted that the National Association of School Psychologists recommends a ratio of one psychologist per 1,000 students. North Hills has a ratio of one psychologist per 4,000 students.

Kathryn Poniatowski said outside agencies that deal with child mental health are “overwhelmed” because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“There is a long waiting list for kids to be seen by those outside agencies,” she said. “This is a way for our kids to get another layer of support that they need.”

Ms. Mathis said the proposed budget uses one-third of the funding received under the federal American Rescue Plan, or $937,600. Another third will be used in 202223 and the last third in 2024-25.

“We need to keep in mind, however, that when we get to the 202425 budget, we will have to have figured out a plan to replace that amount with other sources of revenue or decreased costs, because that will no longer be available to us,” she said. “Hopefully, as the pandemic recedes and the economy recovers, that will be an easier task than it is right now.”

In other business, Ms. Philpott said she would like to see the district form a task force to study start times, noting that studies show middle and high school students should not start school before 8:30 a.m. “At 7:20, we’re one of the earliest ones,” she said.

Also, Superintendent Patrick Mannarino announced that the district partnered with Giant Eagle to provide COVID-19 vaccination clinics for students aged 16 and up on May 11 and June 1. As of April 29, 120 parents had registered their children for the clinic.