Upper Darby superintendent outlines budget timeline, tax posture amid funding uncertainty
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Summary
Superintendent Daniel McGarry told the board the district opted out to allow a tax increase up to the 5.8% adjusted index but plans to set a lower rate; he outlined the budget timeline with key dates leading to a final adoption in mid‑June.
Superintendent Daniel McGarry told the Jan. 14 board meeting that the district voted an accelerated opt‑out that permits an increase up to the adjusted index of 5.8 percent but that the board plans to adopt a tax increase below that limit.
Why it matters: The district faces uncertain state and federal education funding; the tax decision and budget timeline will determine staffing, programs and facilities spending for the coming school year.
McGarry said district leaders will use fund balance and budget adjustments to manage the process and will present staffing and facilities proposals in April and May. He outlined the board calendar: a preliminary budget in early June, with final adoption targeted for June 17 and a statutory deadline of June 30 for budget adoption in Pennsylvania. McGarry warned that the Commonwealth’s state budget timing and potential changes in federal education funds make planning challenging.
The superintendent specifically said the board had decided to “opt out to increase taxes as high as the adjusted index of 5.8%” but that it would “come in well under that amount.” He said the district will present committee briefings in April and May and that a final budget adoption is planned for mid‑June to meet state deadlines.
Next steps: Administration will present budget detail at upcoming committee meetings and a preliminary budget in June; the board will consider staff and program proposals and the final budget by the June deadline.
