William Penn SD board posts proposed 2025-26 budget, seeks short‑term loan as officials warn arts, athletics and transportation could face cuts

The William Penn School District board on May 27 approved release of a proposed final 2025‑26 budget and gave staff permission to pursue a tax and revenue anticipation note (TRAN) if state payments arrive late, district officials said.

The proposed budget was posted for public review after a roll‑call action at the board meeting. Superintendent Dr. Bicotz and board members repeatedly warned the public that the district faces a significant funding gap from the state and said the board may need to consider cuts if anticipated state adjustments — including potential Pennsylvania cyber‑charter reform money — do not materialize.

Why it matters: Board members and students said the shortfall places programs many families value at risk. The district’s finance presentation noted a $2,000,000 assumption tied to cyber‑charter reform; board members said failing to receive that money would force additional cuts even with a proposed 5.9% tax rate increase included in projections.

Board President opened the meeting by asking families to press state lawmakers. “Please have your parents call our state reps,” Board President said, urging community pressure in the coming weeks. Jennifer Hoff, chair of the budget committee, read the finance committee agenda that included the proposed final budget, a TRAN authorization request and several vendor agreements related to summer services and technology maintenance.

Students and staff urged the board to protect extracurriculars. “I’ve informed some of my peers about the potential cuts from transportation, music, arts, and athletics,” Eli Favor, a student representative, said, adding he was collecting testimony to share with state and local officials. Leon Howard, the district’s athletic director, told the board, “Athletics and activities are a lifeline,” and described students’ academic and scholarship successes tied to sports participation.

Board discussion and next steps: Board members said they are continuing advocacy with state officials and consulting the district solicitor to prepare for scenarios where state payments are delayed past June 30. The board authorized staff to seek a TRAN if needed; officials said that step would be used only to manage cash flow until state funds are released, and the amount and final terms would be reported back to the board before borrowing.

Public comment and community response: Several parents and community members urged the board to avoid raising taxes and to prioritize protecting music, arts and after‑school programs. One attendee asked the board to remove the 5.9% tax increase from consideration, saying higher property taxes risk pushing families out of the district.

What the budget includes (as presented): The administration’s forecast includes an assumption of $2,000,000 in savings from cyber‑charter reform and contemplates a 5.9% tax increase as part of a scenario that would still require additional reductions if the state aid assumptions are not met. Superintendent Dr. Bicotz said the administration and legal counsel are preparing advocacy materials and will present follow‑up information to the board and public as state budget actions unfold.

Votes at a glance: - Proposed 2025‑26 final budget: motion to make the proposed final budget available to the public and proceed with the process; outcome: approved by roll call (motion recorded as passed). Note: the board also authorized staff to seek a TRAN if required; further specifics on amount and terms to be provided before any borrowing. - Authorization to pursue Tax and Revenue Anticipation Note (TRAN) if needed: approved (board authorization to proceed conditional on need). - Other finance‑related approvals taken at the meeting (voice votes or committee motions): contracts and service agreements listed on the budget and finance agenda were approved to allow summer services, Chromebook cleaning/repairs and business management supports; specific contract amounts and scope were included in the packet and will be posted with the minutes.

The board scheduled follow‑up budget and finance meetings and said it will continue outreach to state legislators. The district also said it will publish additional talking points and frequently asked questions on the district website to help families communicate with state representatives about the funding shortfall.