Inflation is touching every corner and industry in the United States, including Butler County school districts, which must make tough decisions to cope with the sky-high prices.

Among the most affected are two county school districts with construction projects — one of which was postponed due to the rising building and material costs.

Karns City Area School District’s board voted Monday to reject all bids for the Chicora Elementary School building project, while South Butler School District is postponing an extensive renovation for the same reason.

Karns City Superintendent Eric Ritzert said plans for Chicora Elementary School will have to be postponed, due to bids that were $8 million over budget.

The district anticipated spending $18 million for the project, but opted not to immediately proceed with any of the bids, which were received June 8 and came back at about $26 million.

“Eighteen million dollars was slated for the project, that included construction cost, encapsulates moving dirt, building materials, etc.,” Ritzert said.

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