Upper Darby says Title funds restored but state budget unresolved; finance committee presented 2.5% tax increase

Upper Darby School District officials told the board on Aug. 12 that federal Title funds that had been tentatively cut were restored, while the state budget remained unsettled; the Finance and Operations committee presented a final general fund budget that included a 2.5% tax increase and reported a feasibility study for a Solar for Schools grant.

The superintendent said earlier this summer the district “were left scrambling to figure out how we would cover a cut to title funds that we did not have originally anticipate for our 2526 budget.” He told the board those funds were released after state and federal action, noting the cut would have “resulted in a loss of almost a million and a half dollars in funding.” The administration said it had engaged local elected officials to seek clarity and thanked them for meeting with district leaders and the public.

At a June 17 Finance and Operations committee meeting summarized for the full board, administrators presented the 2025‑26 final general fund budget with a 2.5% proposed tax increase and said the final budget took “all available and relevant information into consideration.” The committee reported the budget presentation complied with required timelines and that the board would consider related approvals.

Committee members also discussed the Solar for Schools grant program; administration said an operational and financial feasibility evaluation is underway and described a proposed plan to proceed if the evaluation supports it. One public commenter asked about state and federal grant funding for the solar project.

The board later moved to adopt the finance and budget report in the meeting’s consent items. The meeting record shows the finance and budget report was moved for adoption and the motion carried; the committee summary said the final general fund budget included a 2.5% tax increase.

The superintendent cautioned that while the Title funds issue had been resolved, “we still do not have a state budget,” and said the district will provide updates as the situation evolves. He thanked state and federal representatives for meeting with district leaders to discuss funding.

District officials did not provide a detailed line‑item budget in the verbal report at the meeting; the administration said more information will follow as state and federal budget developments are clarified.