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Penncrest board adopts 2025-26 budget with $462,002 deficit; no tax increase
Summary
The Penncrest Board of School Directors voted 6-1 to adopt a $59.5 million general operating budget for 2025-26 that carries a $462,001.87 deficit and keeps the tax rate unchanged. The board approved the annual tax resolution and directed the business manager to file required budget documents with the state.
The Penncrest Board of School Directors adopted the district—s final general operating budget for fiscal year 2025-26 on Monday, approving revenues of $59,044,006.82 and total expenditures of $59,505,008.69, resulting in a projected deficit of $462,001.87. The board also approved the annual tax resolution and authorized the business manager to prepare and file the PDE-2028 budget document with the Pennsylvania Department of Education.
The district will not increase property taxes for 2025-26, the board was told. Business manager Kristen (no last name provided) told the board the budget included attrition savings of $63,002.60 and reflected recent, but not final, notice of state allocations. "We finally got some title numbers today right before the meeting," Kristen said, noting the district must adopt a budget before final state and federal revenue figures are available.
Board members who spoke during the discussion praised district staff for limiting reductions that would affect students while noting the ongoing shortfall. One board member said the district is in "much, much better shape than many other districts" under current funding formulas. Another board member argued the district should continue pursuing a balanced budget before final state dollars arrive but nevertheless voted against the measure.
On a roll-call vote the board approved the budget 6-1. Recorded votes were: Miss Spears — yes; Mr. Brown — yes; Mr. Chausse — yes; Ms. Kroll — yes; Rev. Custer — no; Mr. Johnston — yes; Mr. Stoborski — yes. Two members were absent at the vote (Mr. Fennig and Mr. Wilson). The motion carried.
The business manager also reviewed the homestead/farmstead property tax reduction, which the board said will continue: qualifying primary-residence property owners will receive approximately $354.99 applied as the state—s annual homestead/farmstead reduction. The board was told insurance and procurement efforts produced modest savings and that roughly $9.5 million remained in the district account as of May, with significant June disbursements expected.
The board adopted the budget without raising taxes and with directives to continue searching for efficiencies. The board record shows the action was final for the fiscal year and that the business manager will file the required state documents.
Votes at a glance: the board approved several consent agendas and policy items during the same meeting (minutes; education, facilities/transportation, personnel consent items; policy 702 on gifts, grants and donations; an AI guidebook; PSBA membership renewal), most by voice vote. The final budget and tax resolution were adopted by roll call as noted above.
The board—s budget adoption closes the formal budget process for 2025-26; staff said they will continue to monitor revenues and look for further savings and will report back if adjustments are required.
