(3/21) The Fairfield Area School District Board of Directors has some hard choices to make as the budget process unfolds over the next several months.
At their March workshop, Superintendent Thomas Haupt told the board they are facing "a perfect storm" because a previous administration ignored advice from the federal government. When COVID-19 relief funds were given to local school districts in 2024, school leaders were advised not to use the money for staff salaries because the funds were temporary. Fairfield ignored the warning and used the money for three intervention specialists, a curriculum administrator, outsourced nursing services, and a licensed practical nurse. According to Business Manager Tim Stanton, the district must find $367,533 to continue funding those positions.
"At the end of the grant, because the funding is not sustainable, you have to prepare to let staff go unless you found another funding source," Stanton said.
Haupt said the intervention specialists are currently under a one-year contract. If the board decides to keep them, they will become permanent employees.
Aaron D. Taylor, assistant to the superintendent for curriculum, special education, and student services, advocated for keeping the intervention specialists. He told the board that they have benefited students who struggle in reading and math. The school also has reading specialists, Taylor said, but those specialists are not able to help students with math. The board asked Taylor and Haupt to present data that supports his claim before they make a final decision.
Pennsylvania law states the board cannot raise taxes more than 6.4 percent. If the board keeps all positions funded with COVID grants and raises taxes to the maximum amount, it will still not have enough money. Last year, the board raised taxes by 4 percent.
Stanton also told the board it must decide if it wants to fund requests for new playground equipment ($113,909), a tractor ($30,000), and a high school courtyard ($40,000). The board could decide to not fund a new playground and instead use the money for one intervention specialist. The high school courtyard is a request from students. Stanton said the students offered to fundraise for the project, but he doubts fundraisers will raise $40,000.
Board members favored funding the playground in place of a $60,000 LED athletic field lighting project.
The board will discuss the budget further at its April 8 meeting.
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