William Penn school board meeting: administrators recommend 3.9% tax increase; larger shortfall, transportation cuts and borrowing discussed

William Penn School District officials on Wednesday presented a proposed 2025–26 budget balanced on paper at roughly $135 million and centered on a recommended 3.9% real estate tax increase, but warned the plan depends on uncertain state funding and possible “cyber charter reform.”

Dr. B. Coates, a district staff member who presented the budget, told directors that “this budget is balanced at $135,000,000” and that the proposal assumes both state adequacy funding and changes to how cyber charter tuition is reimbursed. He said the draft includes a 5.9% tax increase as one scenario and shows alternative outcomes at 3.9% and 0% depending on whether state actions materialize. The presentation also showed homeowner impacts for a $150,000 assessed home of about $15.42 at 3.9% and $23.33 at 5.9% and noted those figures do not reflect homestead reductions.

Board member Jen Hoff said she will move at the board’s June 30 meeting to approve a budget based on a 3.9% tax increase. “On Monday, we will be voting on a budget. I will recommend a 3.9 via motion,” Hoff said. No formal vote took place at Wednesday’s advisory meeting; the board is required by law to adopt a balanced budget on June 30.

Interim Chie…