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West York Area SD board adopts 2025-26 budget, reinstates NJROTC and approves 4% tax increase
Summary
The West York Area School District board approved the 2025-26 final budget with a $1.2 million projected deficit, reinstated the NJROTC program and set a 4% tax increase; two directors voted no.
The West York Area School District Board of School Directors approved the district’s 2025-26 final budget on a 7-2 roll call, reinstating the NJROTC program and authorizing a proposed 4% tax increase.
Board members discussed the package during a lengthy budget item, noting an added 15% increase in health insurance premiums and an overall $1,200,000 deficit in the draft. The meeting record shows the district’s proposed expenditures at $75,362,389.
The budget matter drew sustained debate over process and priorities. Director Herman said repeatedly that she would vote no and criticized the tax increase and program restorations. Director Schoch (who also voted no) and several other directors described the decision as painful given the remaining deficit and anticipated future work to reach a balanced budget.
Supporters of the budget described the NJROTC program as a valuable learning and leadership opportunity for about 40 students and said an MOU and other technical conditions had been resolved since earlier discussions. Director Dugan and others said they had seen the program’s benefits at public events and supported its restoration to the personnel and program line items.
The board also noted an expectation that state funding timelines would be delayed this year, and that the district must meet its financial calendar regardless of when state aid is received.
Outcome: The motion to adopt the 2025-26 final budget carried on roll call 7–2. The board discussed next steps to reduce the deficit during the coming year.
What happened next: Board members asked administration for follow-up work on budget reduction strategies; the district will continue to pursue alternative savings and report back in subsequent meetings.
