ECASD Board of Directors Passes Proposed Budget; Changes Likely

The Ellwood City Area School District’s Board of Directors passed a proposed general fund budget of $30,472,335 for the fiscal year 2020-2021 in a 5-4 vote.

Voting “No,” Director Barbara Wilson said she has numerous questions regarding the budget. Her main concern is how the board can possibly pass a budget that forecasts a $3 million defecit.

Wilson wasn’t alone in her dissent. Directors Jean Biehls, Leroy Cortez, and Kathy McCommons joined her in rejecting the budget.

Board President Renee Pitrelli and Directors Jennifer Tomon, Erica Gray, Norman Boots, and Gary Rozanski voted to pass the budget.

The proposed budget will be open to changes before a final budget adoption, which will occur on June 29, in time for the state deadline.

Despite ongoing meetings and discussion, points of contention remain among the board regarding planned cuts to athletic programs and a decision to not replace at least two retiring teachers.

McCommons, Pitrelli, Biehls, and Wilson have been adamant in their instance to replace those teachers.

Numerous community members have attended budget and regular meetings to voice concern about proposed cuts to the football program. The board has considered cutting a $1,500 budget line item to provide lunches for the football team during football camp along with $500 for professional cleaning of the team’s football uniforms.

Board Director Cortez motioned to fully fund the upcoming football season regardless of other budget cuts, but the motion did not pass as Directors Biehls, McCommons, Boots, Pitrelli, and Wilson did not support the motion.

Before the vote, Cortez pleaded with this fellow board directors.

“This just about kills football,” Cortez said. “A coach is an extension of the classroom.”

Cortez said football is the driving factor to kick off the school year and provides an outlet for other school activities such as marching band and cheerleading among others.

Biehls, who said she is an avid supporter of all Wolverine sports including football, said she is more worried about the education cuts.

“What concerns me is that no one is here speaking out against not hiring teachers,” she said.

There will be another budget meeting on June 8 at 7 p.m. before the final budget meeting on June 29^th.