In early June we wrote about the request of a state legislator representing Penn Hills and the Penn Hills School District to place the school district in financial recovery status under Act 141.  The Act can place districts into “financial watch” or “financial recovery”. 

Based on the letter from the Department to the District, Penn Hills found a negative fund balance ratio, received advances on its basic education funding, ran deficits, had outstanding debt of 189% of its 2015-16 fiscal year expenditures.  The letter also touched on the findings of the Auditor General in his audit of the District.

So what will Penn Hills receive under financial watch status?  Technical assistance from the Department with its financial challenges.  Of Allegheny County’s school districts, Duquesne is in Act 141 financial recovery and Wilkinsburg and Penn Hills are in financial watch.