EPHRATA — The Ephrata School District passed its budget in late July with anticipated expenditures from its general fund totaling slightly more than $51 million for the 2024-25 school year, according to documentation provided by the district.  

A statement from the district indicates that the budget was set with a projected student body of 2,545, which is lower than the actual expectation of 2,603. This conservative estimate will reduce projected apportionment but should provide a financial buffer to manage unexpected costs that may arise. The actual apportionment will be applied by actual enrollment with the 58-student anticipated difference bringing in more revenues than projected.  

“It’s always been a standard practice in Ephrata to do that; to budget under that way, just to make sure that we’re not caught with any surprises,” said Ephrata School District Spokesperson Sarah Morford.  

Ephrata’s revenues are expected to come in at about $48.2 million, about $2.8 million less than the district’s anticipated expenditures. However, the district started out with a $10 million fund balance, so will have funding available to cover the anticipated difference, in addition to having that buffer.  

“Our $10 million beginning budget includes the $2.8 million difference between revenues and expenses,” said ESD Director of Business and Finance Allison Razey. “Of that amount, roughly $1.3 million are dollars from the 2023-2024 budget that carry over and will be spent in the current budget year. Our intention is to budget conservatively and effectively for the benefit of our students.”  

Most of the district’s revenue, about 83%, comes from the state through apportionment based on actual student body numbers. Levy funding covers about 4.5% of the budget — about $1.99 per $1,000 in property value for property owners within the district bounds — federal funding constitutes just less than 8.2% of the budget, and other revenues just under 5%.  

On the expense side, teaching and teaching support takes up about 66% of the district’s expenditures. That includes funding for teachers, paraprofessionals, materials, counselors and librarians and similar staff and items to provide students with instruction.  

About 16.4% of the Ephrata School District budget goes to operation and maintenance of buildings and grounds, utilities, student transportation and other logistical expenses.  

Administration at the campus level — principals and clerical staff, for example – takes up about 5.2% of the budget.  

The Ephrata School District’s central office staffing — superintendent, Human Resources, business services and similar functions — makes up about 12.6% of the district’s overall budget.  

This year’s budget does include a roughly 4% raise for most staff in line with negotiated agreements with unions present in the district. For teachers, that’s a total of 5% with additional longevity pay based on years of service. Central office staff will receive a 4.2% increase and administrative staff will receive a 3.7% increase.  

Voter-approved debt is anticipated to be paid off in December of 2038. That may change as the district moves forward with possible bond requests in the years to come. 

    A breakdown of Ephrata School District projected expenses for the upcoming school year.
  

    A look at the Ephrata School District's expected revenues for the 2024-25 school year.