Easton Area School District discusses 3.5% millage proposal to begin saving for $300 million capital program

Superintendent Doctor Boltz and district finance staff presented a preliminary budget update during the April 29 Easton Area School District board meeting, recommending a 3.5% millage increase in the proposed 2025–26 budget to begin funding a planned $300 million capital program that includes a new high school and roughly $30 million in additional capital projects.

The recommendation came during a budget presentation by district staff member Trent, who explained the mechanics of property taxation to the board: “1 mill is 1 1 thousandth of the assessed value of a property,” Trent said, then walked the board through estimated revenue at different millage scenarios. Under a 3.5% millage the district projects a taxable levy that, after a 94% assumed collection rate, produces $120,768,477 for budgeting purposes, Trent said.

The administration and its financial advisor presented the $300 million figure as a cap for design and construction. “That $300,000,000 was not just the high school, it was the high school and $30,000,000 worth of projects,” an administrator said during discussion, noting the…