Reynolds school directors did something in less than 10 minutes Monday that the Pennsylvania Legislature and Gov. Ed Rendell haven't been able to accomplish in months: provide a much-needed infusion of working capital if it's needed.

With a unanimous vote, the board authorized administrators to borrow a tax-anticipation note for $1 million from First National Bank of Pennsylvania. The money is being borrowed for 180 days at 2.85 percent interest.

While the Legislature and Rendell remain at odds over the unpassed state budget, which is needed to provide subsidies to Pennsylvania's 501 school districts, districts like Reynolds are finding themselves quickly nearing a crunch for dollars.

"I know we have to do this, but we don't necessarily have to borrow against it," said Superintendent Dr. Anthony S. Trosan. "We'd still be looking at some fees in that case. But this sets us up to be ready because we will be at a point where we certainly don't have the money to pay bills like salaries and health care."

The district received a $1.4 million subsidy from the state for 2002-03 and had already received $400,000 this year, mostly for special education and Social Security funds.