MCKEES ROCKS, Pa. -- The Sto-Rox School District covering McKees Rocks and Stowe Township is running out of money.

School leaders said Sto-Rox will run out of money on May 15 unless it takes out a loan or finds some other solution.

The board decided Thursday night to launch a research process required to justify an unfunded loan for up to $3 million, which would keep the district afloat until state subsidy money comes in the fall.

Water damage at the middle school and failed sewer pumps at the elementary school have cost the district extra money this year, depleting the district's reserve.

School board member Ed Maritz voted against seeking the loan and wants to focus on what he calls unwise spending in recent years.

"At this time, I'm deeply concerned about the spending in our district. It's up 23 percent. We must figure out how to control costs," Maritz said.

District Superintendent Fran Serenka said the loan is not needed for loose spending but for unanticipated costs that infringed on the operating budget last school year.

"It was stated that we spend like a bunch of drunken sailors. Well, that isn't true," Serenka said. "I have proof that we honor our budget and we're right with the budget."