By SUSAN RUMBLE

Special to The Press

Parkland School Board directors granted final approval, at the June 18 meeting, of the $236,584,643 budget for the 2024-25 school term.

The rate of taxation will be 17.12 mills, a 5-percent increase over the previous year.

To cover a shortfall in revenue, $4,005,766 will be appropriated from the fund balance.

The owner of a property assessed at the average residential value of $245,193 will see an increase of $200 in the 2024-25 tax bill.

The tax increase will enable the district to proceed with the Vision 2030 building program which involves classroom additions at the high school and expansion and site improvements at Orefield Middle School.

Vision 2030 is projected to cost $210 million.

Officials are contemplating construction of a new stadium with artificial turf and related athletic facilities as part of that endeavor, with a cost estimated at $19 million.

Resident Laura Warmkessel commented on the financial plan.

“Your $200 annual increase is substantial,” she said. “More and more families are living together.”

She noted Parkland has wealth, but not for everyone.

“The $19 million stadium and turf package ... table it,” she advised, adding it may be appropriate in the future. “But not at this time.”

Board member Lisa Roth reported the district would have a lot more to work with if it didn’t have to send money to cyber/charter schools.

“They have more than they need,” Roth said. “They are flush and are using [our money] for advertising.”

Roth noted cyber/charter schools are not providing the best education for students, as shown in assessment data.

She said Pennsylvania still has not passed its budget, which may affect the amounts available to districts.

On that matter, at a June committee meeting, Business Manager Leslie Frisbie commented on the state budget.

“We could receive up to $1 million of funding based on pending legislation,” she said. “If that occurs, it would reduce the amount of fund balance required for 2024-25.”

“We have to provide both sides of the story,” Roth said. “Pennsylvania is underfunding schools.”