Methacton Says It Is Ready To Weather a Sequestration Storm

You can count the hours left on one hand. It is not likely Congress will suddenly stop sequestration cuts to the federal budget.

One of the largest areas of concern for most Americans revolve around education and the public school systems. How could these changes really hit the local schools.

According to a release from the White House, Pennsylvania will have to handle a lost of $26.4 million of funding for primary and secondary education.

“[These cuts could be] putting around 360 teacher and aide jobs at risk,” said the release. “In addition, about 29,000 fewer students would be served and approximately 90 fewer schools would receive funding.”

Will those same drastic cuts come to Methacton School District? The school’s officials say they are preparing for it.

“In the event the automatic spending cuts commonly referred to as sequestration occur, Methacton will experience a reduction in the federal block grant and special education funding we receive from the federal government,” said Stuart Whiteleather, Methacton’s Director of Business Services.

Methacton’s school board is unsure of what cuts may come down the line, but are attempting to prepare for whatever may happen.

“While the exact amount of cuts is currently unknown, the consensus is 5 to 7.5 percent,” said Whiteleather of the district’s estimates. “Currently, we receive $1,785,555 in federal funds.  With a 5 percent cut, this would amount to a loss of $89,277; and a 7.5 percent cut would amount to a loss of $133,916. “

The district has taken measures to protect its programs no matter the outcome of sequester. Taking the old adage “hope for the best, prepare for the worst,” Whiteleather said Methacton was aware of the sequestration possibilities and planned accordingly.

“In preparing our 2013-14 budget, we have planned for a 7.5 percent cut,” he said.