Erie School District approves $293M budget with no tax increase for 2025-2026

The Erie City School District Board of Directors meeting on May 14, 2025, highlighted significant developments, including the introduction of a preliminary budget and updates on district initiatives.

The board presented a preliminary budget of $293 million for the 2025-2026 school year, which notably includes no tax increase for residents. Thanks to the homestead tax exemption, property taxes for most homeowners are expected to decrease by approximately $60. This achievement is seen as a major milestone for the district, especially following recent financial challenges. Board members expressed pride in the collaborative efforts of district leaders and staff to reach this point.

In addition to budget discussions, the meeting recognized the accomplishments of students in the career and technical education program. Fourth-grade students participated in annual pinning ceremonies, marking their readiness to enter the workforce. The board congratulated these students and their instructor, Melissa Lofton, for their hard work.

Superintendent Dr. Gibbs provided an update on his transition into the role, emphasizing the importance of building positive relationships within the district. He outlined a three-phase plan aimed at enhancing district operations. The first phase focuses on gathering input from stakeholders through engagement sessions, while the second phase involves forming a team to assess current practices and recommend improvements. The final phase will expand the team to set long-term priorities for the district.

The meeting concluded with a call for community involvement in the district's future, encouraging residents to participate in upcoming opportunities to contribute to public education. Overall, the meeting underscored a commitment to fiscal responsibility and student achievement as the district moves forward.