Chester-Upland board adopts 2025–26 millage rates and adds PSBA governance principles to agenda

At a June 18 special meeting, the Chester-Upland School District board voted to adopt the district's 2025'26 real estate millage rates and to add the Pennsylvania School Boards Association (PSBA) Principles for Governance and Leadership to the agenda for immediate consideration.

The board approved a millage rate of 14.49 mills for Chester Township and Upland and 13.68 mills for the City of Chester for the 2025'26 tax year. The board also voted to amend the meeting agenda to include a motion adopting the PSBA governance principles.

The votes were taken by roll call after a short public-comment period was opened and closed for the special meeting. Roll-call tallies recorded the following votes in favor of both measures: President Johnson; Vice President Harris; Treasurer Riley; Director Ham; Director Washington; Director Morales; Director Neal; Director McLaren. The motions carried on the roll call.

Board members and the meeting chair said the PSBA item was added to ensure the district could participate in PSBA programs and resources. The millage vote followed earlier budget work and public budgeting discussions, and board members noted the district had not increased taxes since 2021.

There were no public comments recorded on the two agenda items during the special meeting. The meeting concluded after the votes and was followed by a receivers meeting as scheduled.

The decisions set the tax rates the district will use for the 2025'26 fiscal year and add the PSBA governance principles to district materials; the district did not provide additional ordinance or statutory citations during the special meeting.