Tredyffrin-Easttown finance report: revenues up, property-tax appeals could cut $1.1 million; bus driver shortage persists

The Tredyffrin-Easttown School District on Sept. 29 received a finance update showing higher local revenues this fiscal year, a preliminary 2026–27 budget calendar and continuing transportation staffing strains.

The district’s year-to-date total revenue was reported at about $109.9 million, a year-over-year increase primarily driven by real estate and real estate transfer taxes, Finance Committee Chair Dr. Roberta Satinsky told the board. General fund expenditures and encumbrances stood at $140,782,493.82; overall expenditures and encumbrances were reported at about 77.9% of budget, Satinsky said.

Why it matters: The finance update frames the district’s budget work for the coming year, including a preliminary timeline that will move from an initial presentation in December to a full budget process with public meetings through June.

Property-tax appeals and potential revenue impact

Assistant business manager Mr. Livergood reported on property-tax appeals filed with the county. According to a county report sent in August, 120 residential taxpayer appeals had been filed, 48 of which were settled; those residential cases combined could lower district revenues by approximately $428,000. The county report listed 22 commercial appeals (none settled) with a potential revenue impact near $1 million if successful. The district itself had filed 11 appeals (none settled) that, if successful, could increase revenues by about $281,000. Taken together, the committee calculated a net potential reduction in revenues of roughly $1.1 million.

Budget calendar and limits

Satinsky said the state’s Act 1 index for the 2026–27 budget year was released at 3.5%, and the committee outlined the budget-development calendar: audited prior-year numbers to be finalized in November; a 2026–27 presentation in December; a preliminary budget in January and public finance meetings and two budget workshops through June.

Transportation: added vehicles but driver shortage continues

Transportation Supervisor Candy Kolesa told the committee that the district had added vehicles compared with last year — an increase to 108 vehicles (up 14 from last year) serving 439 routes (up 30). The district transports about 7,142 students daily (an increase of about 40 students from the prior year) and travels roughly 8,950 miles each school day, Kolesa reported.

The department had added one 30-passenger vehicle, two 18-passenger vehicles and one nine-passenger van compared with last year, but both contractors continue recruiting drivers. Kolesa said route optimization is ongoing; at the time of the committee meeting a middle-school route was the longest at about 45 minutes.

Public concern: crossing-guard shortage

During public comment, resident Cindy Bergoldi of Tredyffrin Township thanked the district for recent events and asked the board to address a shortage of crossing guards at Hovland and Old Lancaster roads, saying one guard currently covers two intersections at different times. Bergoldi urged more crossing guards to reduce afternoon congestion and improve student safety.

What’s next

The finance committee will continue to refine budget estimates through committee meetings and public workshops. Transportation said recruitment efforts are ongoing and asked community members to refer potential drivers to the district.