In his ongoing preparation of the 2015-16 budget, Parkland Business Manager John Vignone reported as of March 24, projected expenditures exceed revenues by nearly $1.2 million in the $158.5 million total needed to fund the district in the next school year.

To address the budget delta, administrators and staff are working to cut costs while also seeking additional sources of revenue.

To complicate matters, the commonwealth budget is still under negotiation, and school districts do not know what funding they will receive from the state.

District Superintendent Richard Sniscak commented on the lack of clear information.

"It's like a game of volleyball, back and forth, with the state," Sniscak said. "It's a difficult time to be a superintendent.

"We have to make sure we're shielded from unknowns."

Vignone pointed out a few bright spots to help the budget along.

The district expects a $100,000 reduction in electricity costs and a $200,000 drop in tuition reimbursements resulting from a tightening of requirements in the teachers' contract.

Attritional savings of $319,697 from longtime staff retirements may be applied to funding for new positions.

Vignone projects a $200,000 benefit from a forthcoming 2010 bond refunding action.

The largest item in the 2015-16 budget is $73.4 million for salaries, a 3.65-percent change over last year.

Next highest is $43.9 million for employee benefits, a 9.9-percent increase.

In compliance with the Pennsylvania Act 1 Index, Parkland is limited to a 1.9-percent millage increase.

Under that restriction, the maximum millage for the new budget would be 14.35, compared to the present 14.09.

The owner of a home assessed at $100,000 would pay $26 more in school taxes this year, while the owner of a $200,000 property would pay an additional $52.

Vignone reported at this stage in the budget process, the expenditures are predicted to be $6.4 million higher than last term, a 4.18-percent increase.

Contending with numerous variables and unknowns at this time, Vignone explained administrators will monitor and adjust revenues and expenditures as the budget process continues.