SLIPPERY ROCK — Despite predicted financial challenges caused by the coronavirus pandemic, Slippery Rock Area School District's proposed 2021-22 budget has relatively routine numbers.

Paul Cessar, business manager for the district, told the school board at Monday's meeting that he projected a significant hit to the current budget because of tax loss, but Slippery Rock was hardly hit with a loss at all.

Still, though, the proposed budget comes with a deficit of approximately $700,000, but that is without considering the emergency federal COVID-19 funds the district will receive through the American Rescue Plan Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund, which equals approximately $2.2 million, of which about 20 percent must be used for educational comeback.

“We're going to look at that,” Cessar said. “Over the next two months, we're going to look at how to use that money, incorporate it into the budget.”

With local tax revenue staying consistent in the district, Cessar said some of the biggest increases in expenditures at Slippery Rock are special education and transportation to other schools.

District superintendent Alfonso Angelucci said the budget does not have to be submitted to the state until the end of June, and the district will view the proposed budget at least once more before it goes to vote. He also said the numbers Cessar presented are relatively consistent to previous years.

Also at the meeting, the school board approved a mental health partnership and service agreement with Family Psychological Associates, which Angelucci said will come at no cost to the district. School administrators will be able to refer families to the psychological associates if a child is in need of service.

The board also approved the hiring of a bus monitor at a cost of $85.80 per day to assist with disciplinary measures needed on a school bus route.