By Imari Scarbrough
The Bermudian Springs voted on its final 2024-25 budget, which includes a 3.6% tax increase, during Dr. Shane Hotchkiss’ last meeting as superintendent before his retirement.
Budget
The board was left with four options to choose from for the final budget as of the caucus meeting on Monday evening. Previously, the board had decided to remove the Act One Index – the highest tax increase it was allowed to approve – as an option, leaving four lower-tax choices on the table.
During the caucus meeting on Monday evening, the board decided to remove the remaining highest option of an increase of 5.4%, or a 0.8390 mills increase, from consideration.
On Monday, the board had left itself with three options – increasing taxes by 3.6% (a 0.6933 mills increase for a total of 13.3012 mills), by 1.8% (a 0.4622 mills increase for a total of 13.0701 mills), or avoiding an increase entirely (remaining at 12.8390 mills).
Each option leaves the board with projected budget shortfalls, worsening with the smaller tax increases.
One factor the board considered was the upcoming commitment of funding the district will make for ACTI funding.
“The goal is, they want to find out what the capacity of each district is so that we know what they can do, but I can tell you from initial designs they’re talking like a $40 million project,” Hotchkiss said.
As ACTI has not yet even purchased property, the final budget, and the percentage the district will need to commit to, is still unknown. In addition to ACTI tuition costs, the figure will be high, according to Hotchkiss and business manager Justin Peart.
Board member Ruth Griffie, who has continuously advocated for low or no tax increases over the years, was one board member who voiced her struggle with the decision this year. She read a statement before voting for the 3.6% tax increase.
Griffie said investing in ACTI will help invest in students who cannot go to college or wish to choose another path after high school.
“It would be a great benefit for students not pursuing the college route for them to have a skilled trade,” Griffie said. “Examples like electricians, plumbers, HVAC technicians, car mechanics, etc. These are all high-paying jobs that would not put students in serious debt like a four-year college would. These jobs are definitely needed.”
Griffie said it was a difficult decision.
“Yes, I am a conservative, especially when it comes to spending other people’s money and some of my own,” Griffie said. “Also, I have realized that we live in a rural community, in which raising taxes every year puts much stress on taxpayers in the community, especially the ones that are living on fixed incomes. I also know that inflation, just the cost of everyday living expenses, has gone up immensely and has put severe strain on some people. However, I feel it is a need to provide service to all students.”
Griffie said she wished to see a “compromise” take place among the board. She also called on the community to help support the project.
“Therefore, I feel if the 3.6% increase passes by a board majority, I would like that 2% of the 3.6% increase would be allocated to seeking a vo-tech school in Adams County by the ACTI,” Griffie said. “Finally, I would also like to ask businesses and/or individuals to support this project and to please, if possible, donate any amount of money they can afford to help offset the cost. Any donation would be greatly appreciated. We need people with trades to help keep our country running. Without them, what would the future of our country be?”
The sole budget change since the preliminary budget was set in May was a decrease in federal Title program funding, according to Peart. The district received an update about the federal funding amount and it was $36,996 less than anticipated, primarily due to a decrease in Title One funds.
Peart also advised the board to consider employer retirement contribution data trends from the past 50 years.
“As you can see, the low point in 2001-02 was 1.09% and now we’re showing it going upwards of 40%, okay?” Peart said during Monday’s caucus meeting, indicating a graph. “And again, with the projections showing we continue to have an increase for the next five years but we had reductions the last two. I just struggle with that rationale, but again, we’ll utilize the minimal savings that is there because we’re projecting continual increases, what you know that’s going to become. This is a huge, huge, huge thing. Another way to look at this: for every dollar that is spent in salary, next year you’re going to have to pay 33.9 cents into retirement for every dollar, no choice at all.”
As in previous meetings, Peart pointed to cyber-charter contributions as a significant factor in the district’s finances. Over the past eight years, the district has had to contribute almost $11 million, according to Peart.
Hotchkiss retires
Tuesday’s regular board meeting was the final one as superintendent for Hotchkiss.
Officially, Hotchkiss will retire on Oct. 28, but the board voted on Tuesday to approve Hotchkiss using accumulated leave from June 21 through Oct. 28.
Dr. Shannon Myers, the current assistant superintendent, will serve as the substitute superintendent through that same period as the district works to find a replacement for Hotchkiss. On Tuesday, the board voted to have the Pennsylvania Association for Rural and Small Schools assist with the search.
Board vice president Travis Mathna read a message from board president Daniel Chubb, who was absent.
“Dr. Hotchkiss, as you embark on your well-deserved retirement, we wish to extend our gratitude for your dedication and commitment to the Bermudian Springs School District,” Mathna read. “Over the last years, your leadership as superintendent has been a cornerstone to our student success. Your vision and efforts have impacted not only our schools but also the lives of many students, teachers, administrators and families.”
The note took into consideration wins and difficulties. Hotchkiss helped lead the district through such challenges as the COVID-19 pandemic.
“As we reflect on your years of service, we are reminded of the many accomplishments and milestones that have defined your tenure,” Mathna read. “You have guided the district through challenges and triumphs alike with determination and focus. As you transition into your new chapter of life, we wish all the best. You will always hold a special place in our heart at Bermudian Springs School District.”
Hotchkiss reflected on the 17 years he has served at Bermudian Springs, noting that this was board meeting number 409 for him in the district, and number 317 as district superintendent. He appeared to struggle with his emotions as he offered a brief statement.
“I would like to take a moment to thank, truly, the thousands of students and families during those 17–” Hotchkiss broke off. “Just to thank the kids, families, community partners, school boards over two decades, because truly, it’s all of you, our community of what makes Bermudian a special place. I just want to say thank you and wish all of you the best of luck.”
The board also approved the retirement of Mark Fleming, the assistant principal of Bermudian Springs High School, effective on Aug. 16.
Laura McMillian, a middle school instructional specialist, will replace Fleming.
Other business
Also on Tuesday, the board voted to approve a $5,000 donation from the New Oxford Social Club intended to wipe all lunch debt in the district.
“Since we went to CEP in January for at least the next four years, this was our last dealing with negative balances,” Peart told the board on Monday. “Our negative balance was around $4,500. I reached out to NOSC asking for a donation, and as you can see there, they gave us more than I asked for. We’re very grateful for that. That’ll wipe away all negative balances for everyone in the district.”
The board will hold its next caucus meeting at 7 p.m. Monday, Aug. 12.
The next regular board meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 13.
Imari Scarbrough is a freelance journalist. She was a staff newspaper reporter for five years before becoming a freelancer in 2017. She has written on crime, environmental issues, severe weather events, local and regional government and more.
You can visit her website at ImariJournal.com.