H-H Could Reduce Number of Teacher Furloughs, Program Cuts

Hatboro-Horsham’s could be in better shape than it was even last week if the governor adopts the state’s final spending plan.

Under the budget -which Gov. Tom Corbett is expected to sign into law by midnight – Hatboro-Horsham School District would receive a projected $817,433 more than previously calculated. The increase in funding could lessen the need for program cuts and teacher furloughs and demotions for the 2011-2012 school year.

Superintendent Curtis Griffin was cautiously optimistic Thursday.

“Nothing’s official until the governor signs off and everything’s a done deal,” Griffin said. “The big question is will this have an impact on staffing and the furloughs and demotions? The answer is yes, it will. To what extent? I don’t know that answer.”

Last week, the board, following Griffin’s recommendation, had approved a series of program cuts for next school year, in addition to adopting a budget. 

At that time, Griffin had said an estimated 6.6 teaching positions – or possibly less - could be furloughed.

“I’m sure that number will be reduced,” Griffin said Thursday, adding that through the end of July the administration will revisit staffing, programs, supplies and services that had been proposed to be cut. “Until we work through everything … it’s difficult to say with any finality what that will be.” 

Griffin said recommendations would be presented at the board’s Aug. 1 meeting and action would be taken on Aug. 15.

Bob Reichert, director of business affairs, said “pretty significant” fiscal challenges forced the district to make deeper cuts than usual.

When the was introduced in the spring, , of Horsham, had vowed to work to see that some of the educational funding cuts were restored.

Perhaps the biggest blow for school districts was an unforeseen elimination of the Social Security reimbursement. Under the budget awaiting Corbett’s signature, that line item has been fully restored, which for Hatboro-Horsham, amounts to about $453,000.

Other education funding restoration

• Additional subsidies are dedicated to restoring the state’s portion of the Basic Education Funding Subsidy: $251,139
• Increasing the Accountability Block grants: 112,990

While the additional funding provides a brighter picture for this budget cycle, Griffin was quick to point out that economic and fiscal challenges will likely continue through future budgets.

“We must be aware of preparation for the 2012, 2013 and beyond budgets,” Griffin said. “Our focus is looking at the district’s financial health over a period of five years, planning accordingly and managing accordingly.”