CCIU budget: core contributions flat, CTE and marketplace fees rise modestly; Downingtown faces higher CTE share

Dr. Fiore, speaking for the Chester County Intermediate Unit, presented a multi-part budget that keeps core district contributions unchanged while proposing a 2% increase for occupational education and about a 1.82% average rise for marketplace services. "So there are no increases in the core the core budget, contributions," Dr. Fiore said, adding that the marketplace increase is "below the statewide index for, 3.5%."

The CCIU summarized voting timelines: core budgets must be approved by member districts by April 30 and occupational (CTE) budgets by June 30. Michelle Lubitzky, CCIU director of administrative services, said Downingtown’s direct share of the IU core contribution would remain flat at about $95,354, while the district’s formula-based contribution to CTE would be $3,973,000 next year, reflecting enrollment growth.

Lubitzky also highlighted cost-saving measures that benefit Downingtown. She said joint purchasing and service partnerships have produced substantial savings: a partnership that yielded $628,000 in reimbursements to Downingtown this year and projected roughly $1.5 million in savings next year across participating districts. On fuel procurement, Lubitzky noted the IU secured a petroleum bid before recent market spikes that she estimated would save Downingtown about $250,000 next year.

Board members asked about revenue stability and contingency plans if state or federal grant streams change. "There there there are the estimates for this year, and we're always concerned of that," Lubitzky said, adding the IU has used program reductions and other mitigations when grant funds have been cut off.

The presentation also covered enrollment and program outcomes: the IU reported preschool special education enrollments and that approximately half of students receiving preschool services no longer require those services by kindergarten, and that Technical College High School students earned hundreds of industry certifications, which IU leaders said translates into local job-readiness.

The IU’s proposals will require district-level votes on the specified timelines; board members requested staff follow up with detailed budget materials and schedules for the district’s required actions.