Chambersburg Area SD board votes to advertise $213 million 2025-26 budget after debate over 2% vs. 3% tax increase

The Chambersburg Area School District Board of School Directors voted 9–0 to advertise the proposed 2025–26 general fund budget on April 22, approving a plan that lists $213,000,000 in expenditures and assumes a 3% tax increase.

The budget presentation was given by Tammy Stauffer, who described the proposal to advertise the district’s anticipated spending and revenue for the coming year. “Total expenditures of $213,000,000. Total revenue of $210,000. Does represent a budgetary reserve of $5,000,000 … with a 3% tax increase, projecting a slight deficit of $2,700,000,” Stauffer said during the board meeting. She added that the advertised budget is not final and that the board will vote on a final budget in June.

Board members debated whether to advertise at a 2% or 3% tax increase. Supporters of 3% said the larger increase gives the district more flexibility to build reserves and begin funding future debt service related to proposed major facilities projects. “I personally…