Budget
In 2007, Blue Mountain School District employed 200 teachers. The average teacher salary in the district was $50,799 for 180 days worked. As of 2007, Pennsylvania ranked in the top 10 states in average teacher salaries. When adjusted for cost of living Pennsylvania ranked fourth in the nation for teacher compensation. Additionally, the teachers receive a defined benefit pension, health insurance, life insurance, professional development reimbursement, paid personal days, paid sick days, and other benefits. Teacher receive additional payment for work beyond the classroom and the regular work day. According to Rep. Glen Grell, a trustee of the state teacher retirement fund, a 40-year educator can retire with a pension equal to 100 percent of their final salary.
Blue Mountain School District administrative costs was $690.85 per pupil in 2008. The lowest administrative cost per pupil in Pennsylvania was $398 per pupil. In August 2010, the school board awarded a 5 year contract to Robert Urzillo with an initial salary of $132,500 a year plus an extensive benefits package including state pension. He will become superintendent in February 2011.
In 2008, Blue Mountain School District reported spending $10,688 per pupil. This ranked 423rd among the 500 school districts in the commonwealth.
Reserves - In 2008, the district reported a $2,128,458.00 in a unreserved-undesignated fund balance. The designated fund balance was reported as zero.
In August 2009, the Pennsylvania Auditor General conducted a performance audit of the district. Findings were reported to the administration and school board.
The district is funded by a combination of: a local earned income tax - 1%, an Occupation Assessment - $230, a property tax, a real estate transfer tax - 1%, a Occupational Privilege Tax - $10,00, coupled with substantial funding from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the federal government. Grants can provide an opportunity to supplement school funding without raising local taxes. In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, pension and Social Security income are exempted from state personal income tax and local earned income tax regardless of the income level.
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