The East Penn School District Board Meeting on June 9, 2025, was dominated by discussions surrounding the proposed budget, which includes a contentious 4% tax increase. Board members expressed a mix of support and concern over the financial plan, particularly regarding a projected deficit of $1.2 million.

Board member Mr. Jankowski voiced his support for the budget, emphasizing that nearly 90% of the district's budget is fixed and acknowledging the necessity of the increase to maintain the quality of education. "I do not like the fact of a 4% increase, but... if we want this to be the school district that everyone wants it to be, I support this budget," he stated.

Conversely, Mr. Flage expressed his opposition, citing the burden on taxpayers and referencing a recent tax abatement granted to a wealthy developer. He stated, "I just cannot keep putting more and more tax burden onto the taxpayer."

Ms. Bowman raised concerns about the planned deficit, questioning the sustainability of the budget without a clear plan to address the shortfall. She suggested splitting the vote on the budget items, as she supported some components but could not endorse the overall plan due to the deficit.

In response, district officials clarified that the deficit is strategically linked to planned expenditures for technology infrastructure, which will fluctuate in future years. They assured that this approach is designed to manage the fund balance effectively and prevent a runaway deficit.

The board's discussions highlighted the ongoing tension between maintaining educational quality and managing taxpayer burdens, setting the stage for a critical vote on the budget in the coming weeks. The outcome will significantly impact the district's financial health and educational resources moving forward.