Mill Creek Township School District approves $124M budget with 2.9% tax increase

In the heart of Mill Creek Township, the school board convened on May 12, 2025, to address pressing financial matters that will shape the educational landscape for the upcoming fiscal year. As the evening unfolded, board members engaged in discussions that highlighted both the challenges and commitments facing the district.

The meeting kicked off with a motion to approve a payment of $25,087.75 to the Mill Creek Area Community Band, a gesture reflecting the district's support for local arts and community engagement. This approval was swiftly passed without any objections, setting a collaborative tone for the evening.

However, the focal point of the meeting was the final budget for the 2025-2026 school year. The finance and operations committee presented a comprehensive resolution, proposing a general fund budget of $123,763,642 in revenues against $124,882,323 in expenses. This budget reflects a careful balancing act, with an overall increase in property taxes set at 2.9%, notably below the district's average tax increase of 4.2% across the region.

Key adjustments in the budget included a $215,000 increase in gaming revenue, which, while offsetting tax collections, provided a slight reduction in costs for approved homestead applications. The board also noted a decrease in total expenditures by $129,729, primarily due to the removal of certain equipment funded by grants and a reduction in workers' compensation premiums.

As the board members deliberated, they acknowledged the pressures of rising costs, including a significant $1.8 million increase in healthcare expenses and over $900,000 in transportation costs. Despite these challenges, the budget includes the addition of 15 new positions, primarily in special education, alongside salary increases for most employees.

The meeting concluded with an invitation for public questions, although none were raised, reflecting perhaps a sense of satisfaction with the proposed budget. The board is set to adopt the final budget on May 30, 2025, at the Mill Creek Education Center, ensuring transparency and community involvement in the decision-making process.

As the board adjourned, the commitment to maintaining educational quality amid financial constraints was evident. The discussions held on this evening will undoubtedly resonate throughout the district, shaping the future of Mill Creek Township's educational offerings.