Beaver County Board approves tax exonerations and new health insurance rates

During the Central Valley School District's recent work meeting on May 14, 2025, several significant financial decisions were made that will impact the district's budget and health insurance plans for the upcoming school years.

One of the key discussions involved the approval to exonerate several individuals from the collection of unpaid real estate taxes for 2024. This included Kylie Kazel, who will be relieved of $839,516.08 in taxes and a penalty of $41,975.93, as well as Victoria Leininger and Virginia Tobacco, who will also see similar exonerations for their respective unpaid taxes. These unpaid taxes have been filed with the Beaver County Tax Claim Bureau, indicating a structured approach to managing tax collections within the district.

Another major topic was the renewal of health insurance plans. The board approved a 16% increase in monthly renewal rates for Highmark health insurance for the 2025-2026 school year. This increase will affect various plans, including those for single parents, families, and couples, reflecting the rising costs of healthcare.

In contrast, the district secured a two-year renewal with Vision Benefits of America and Guardian Dental, both of which will maintain their current rates without any increases. This stability in dental and vision benefits is a positive development for employees, ensuring that essential health services remain affordable.

The board also adopted the preliminary budget for the 2025-2026 school year, which outlines revenues of $46,621,225 against expenditures of $47,176,676. This budget includes a modest tax increase of 0.51%, which will be subject to public review for 20 days before final adoption. The school code mandates that the final budget be adopted 30 days after this tentative approval, ensuring transparency and community involvement in the budgeting process.

Overall, the meeting highlighted the district's efforts to manage financial challenges while maintaining essential services for both staff and students. As the school year approaches, these decisions will play a crucial role in shaping the district's financial landscape and its ability to provide quality education.