Ramsey offers presentation focusing on budget, funding, SMASD accomplishments
ST. MARYS - St. Marys Area School District Superintendent Harley Ramsey outlined various aspects the district is committed to in order to provide a world class education with a rural advantage. During a recent school board meeting Ramsey provided a detailed presentation covering budget challenges, staffing obstacles, funding streams, facility improvement work and the many accomplishments of the SMASD.
Ramsey noted the district is looking to approve the 2024-25 budget in May, rather than June so they are not cutting it close to the deadline.
“I want the board and the public to understand our current context, vision and how we’re trying to achieve that vision through certain strategies so when we’re asking for a tax increase people understand what we mean,” Ramsey said.
Following a recent lawsuit filed and won by numerous Pennsylvania school districts, that state must fund schools at an appropriate level. Pennsylvania schools are underfunded to the tune of $5.4 billion, as stated by Ramsey. The goal is to phase this funding in over the next seven years.
A state organization estimates SMASD is $4,000 plus per-student underfunded.
“We’re still talking $5-7 million annually underfunded, each year we should be receiving that much,” Ramsey said.
If the legislature agrees to a seven-year phase-in of the $5.4 billion recommendation, and without any additional political jockeying, then SMASD may receive an additional $900,000 revenue in 2024-25. The district could see an additional $250,000 savings if cyber rates are capped at $8,000.
Salaries are not keeping pace resulting in a teacher and personnel shortages statewide. Ramsey emphasized
“While we have trouble maintaining substitutes, we do not have trouble keeping teachers, Ramsey emphasized regarding SMASD.
He said this is likely due to the district treating its employees well and providing a quality contract in which staff are properly compensated, appreciated and given a voice.
Ramsey added that starting in 2020-21 emergency permits have exceeded actual teacher certifications across the state, which is a troubling trend. The number of instructional 1 certifications issued in Pennsylvania is down about 70% from 2010-22 according to the PSEA (Pennsylvania State Education Association).
During his presentation Ramsey cited PSEA information noting although teacher pay has gone up this year, the group’s wage gains of .07% in the last quarter were just half of the 1.5% average for all civilian workers. Substitute teachers, bus drivers, and other support staff positions have been difficult to hire as many other businesses have raised wages for similar positions.
Special education funding is another challenge for the district. Skyrocketing costs including special education and no revenue guarantees from state legislators are two reasons Ramsey attributes to any tax increase the district may impose.
SMASD has been underfunded by the state for many years. Ramsey noted it is important for taxpayers to understand this year the district applied for a referendum exception allowing the district to raise taxes above the