SVSD Business Manager David Bonenberger revealed April 23 the proposed 2019-20 budget , which totals $47,401,439 with no tax increase. Expenses include a 2.45 percent increase compared to last year’s budget. Local revenue is approximately 78 percent, with 22 percent coming from the state.

According to district superintendent Craig Butler, the budget reflects a 2 percent decrease in staff as a result of retirements or resignations. Board member Shamim Pakzad questioned what the district’s student enrollment projections and staffing look like. Pakzad argued you can’t have projected budgets without comparing past years and estimates of future enrollments. Pakzad questioned the numbers of incoming kindergarten students. The district is hopeful that the majority are registered by May; however, enrollments can continue up until the school year begins. Board member Michael Karabin called the enrollments a “moving target.” Pakzad discussed other school districts, such as Allentown, that hire firms that can have the projections estimated within 1 percent of the actual total.

Board member Cedric Dettmar spent time last year creating a spreadsheet looking at birth census data and changes in each grade, especially grades such as seventh that experience bumps in enrollment because of transfers from parochial schools. Dettmar suggested the spread sheet could be a good place to start. Moving forward, Superintendent Craig Butler said an action plan will be created to address enrollments.

Historically, budgets have been discussed and approved prior to the current budget. Board members went back and forth on whether to approve or spend more time discussing the proposed budget. Ultimately, the board decided to table the issue for further information and discussions. They have until June 30 to approve the final budget.

Also during the meeting, James P. Deegan was unanimously appointed as Saucon Valley MS Principal, effective immediately. His salary is adjusted to $110,000 effective July 1. Deegan has been the interim principal at SVMS for the past four months after former Principle Ken Napaver resigned at the end of November. Previously, Deegan served as the associate principal at Saucon Valley ES. Superintendent Craig Butler said, “I have the utmost confidence in his leadership; as displayed tonight, you could see the heartfelt interactions with the students.”