Mifflin County SD projects roughly $3.6M shortfall in proposed 2025–26 budget; board to submit draft to PDE

The Mifflin County School District presented a proposed 2025–26 budget that, as drafted, shows a multiyear operating deficit the administration expects to trim but not eliminate before submitting the proposal to the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE). Budget presenter Mrs. Knapp said the draft shows total revenue just under $96 million and total expenditures above $100 million, leaving a deficit that staff initially described as “just under $5,000,000” and that falls to about $3,643,510 after planned draws from the district’s assigned technology fund.

Why it matters: the district must file a proposed budget with PDE by May 31, and the proposed numbers drive decisions about staffing, capital purchases and whether local taxpayers will see a tax increase. Board members and staff focused discussion on three drivers: rising special-education spending, a planned computer/laptop refresh, and the addition of 15.5 staff positions, most for special education.

Mrs. Knapp (the meeting’s budget presenter) told the board that special-education costs have increased year over year and that the budgeted special-education expense rose by roughly $1.7 million…