Local schools, communities feeling impact of Pennsylvania budget battle

BUTLER, Pa. — The effects of Pennsylvania’s unresolved state budget are beginning to hit home, as both Westmoreland and Allegheny counties implement hiring freezes. School districts are also bracing for impact, with some already making difficult decisions.

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The Butler Area School District is currently missing $11.5 million in anticipated state funding due to the lack of a state budget, according to Superintendent Dr. Brian White.

“The budget was supposed to pass on July 1, and if it had passed, we would have had the opportunity to make adjustments in our operations for any shortfalls that may come from the state,” White said.

Although the district isn’t yet borrowing money, White noted that the financial strain is growing, particularly with interest income now missing from the budget.

“While it’s not huge yet, each week it passes, it’s getting bigger and bigger,” he said. “It’s probably $80,000 a month, which is really concerning because in 2016, the budget didn’t pass until March.”

While Butler is preparing for potential cuts, Clairton City School District has already made them. This week, the school board voted to eliminate transportation for more than 100 charter school students as part of ongoing budget reductions.

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“This will be very frustrating from kindergarten to 12th grade,” said Superintendent Dr. Tamara Allen-Thomas. “But what we want the public to know is that, again, we’re in this together. We need to really fight and go to legislation and figure out how we can get fair funding so that we don’t have to think about what we have to cut.”

Despite the urgency, state lawmakers remain divided on a solution.

“It’s critical we pass a budget,” said Rep. Aaron Bernstine, R-Butler/Lawrence counties. “But it’s also just as critical we pass a budget that makes sense for Pennsylvanians, and we are spending within our means.”

The Pennsylvania House is set to return to Harrisburg on Sept. 29. The Senate is not expected to return for another month unless they are called back to finalize the budget.

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