Gateway feeling pinch from state budget impasse

Like other school districts across Pennsylvania, the Gateway School District is feeling the financial pinch from a lack of state funding.

Pennsylvania legislators are nearly two months overdue in passing the state budget, which has delayed the influx of cash to public school districts.

“Well, I’ve been tracking it,” business manager Mike Zourelias said this week, adding that the Monroeville district is paid monthly for some programs and twice a year for others. “But as of right now, just for July and August, the state owes us $4,678,000.”

Zourelias said that the district is in a good financial position now, but if state lawmakers don’t pass a spending plan until November or December, Gateway will have to dip into other resources.

“We did send letters to some of the hierarchy at the state and the legislature, asking them to look at these issues like the budget, and we never got a response,” Director Cheryl Boise said. Board secretary Janet Estok drafted a letter that the entire board signed.

“We have the largest fulltime legislature than anybody in the country,” Boise said. “And that’s not fair.” Boise pointed out that Superintendent Guy Rossi and director John Ritter have visited Harrisburg, to no avail.

Other business

The board unanimously voted 9-0 to approve the following:

• The Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) Agreement with Allegheny Intermediate Unit for the 2025/26 school year. The agreement is for up to 14 hours per month at an hourly rate of $130. Services include completion of observations, functional behavioral assessments, behavior plans and consulting with staff as needed.

• The purchase of AI Classes through LocoRobo Innovations Inc. in the amount of $58,500. This is at no cost to Gateway; as the funding is from the PASmart Grant.

• The agreement with Century Mat Solutions for the wrestling room and wall mats at a cost of $41,776.

• The purchase of a three-year subscription for the CrisisGo emergency response planning, management and communication tool. The app will help Gateway quickly communicate with hard-to-reach faculty, such as substitute teachers. Subscription amounts will be $14,346 for the 2025/26 school year and $11,558.50 for the subsequent two years.

• The creation of a high school Debate Club. There is no cost to the district; teacher Jamee Kovacs is volunteering her time. The board acknowledged that there could be potential costs down the road if the club grows.