The Committee reviewed the second quarter tuition numbers as provided by DESE in January 2023.  PVPA's projected numbers (absent the DESE record) were discussed at the last meeting - this is simply an update.  Overall DESE shows PVPA losing $220,628 between the first and second quarters.  The two factors driving the decrease are enrollment and above foundation adjustments by sending districts.

Enrollment is listed at 390 students for the second quarter vs 400 during the 1st quarter - remember that first quarter figures are based on pre-enrollment figures from the spring of 2022.  As of today there are 398 and we are hopeful that this will be the number passed along with our next report due on February 15th.

The municipal public schools have adjusted the net school spending for the 2022-2023 school year and is reflected in the changes in the above foundation numbers.  Any district in red on the report indicates a decrease and green represents an increase.  There may still be some changes to above foundation numbers during the third quarter.  At this time, PVPA is in a favorable position with meeting the projected budget as well as being on track to issue retroactive pay increases per the collectively bargained agreement.

The Committee is off schedule for completing the FY24 budget.  An extension may need to be requested from the Board of Trustees to push the due date to the May meeting.  The two factors delaying the process are the negotiations with the PVPA Union and the state budgeting process.

With a new Governor, the deadline for the Governor's budget has been changed from January to March 1st.  Without the state budget it is unclear what the tuition funding will be.  A good sign is that the Administration and Finance Secretary and the House and Senate Ways and Means chairs have agreed on a figure ($40.41 billion) to base the state budget on so that development can proceed.  This represents slower growth than in previous years but still projects 1.6% growth - so good news!

The COVID provision to the Open Meeting Law are expiring on March 15, 2023.  This means that after the March meeting the Committee will need to have two members present in person, including the Committee Chair, to have quorum.  Since the bylaws of the Board allow for remote attendance by members, the remote option remains available as long as there is a quorum.

The Committee will continue to search for new members and ask the Board Chair about assignments for new members of the Board.