Tunkhannock Area SD approves preliminary 1-mil increase as board considers 2025–26 budget options

The Tunkhannock Area School District Board of Directors voted on April 10 to advance a preliminary budget option that would raise property taxes by 1 mill as it considers four proposed budgets for 2025–26.

Paul (staff member), who presented the district's budget outlook, told the board that "a proposed budget deficit would be just over $3 million" if the district adopted a 0-mill option and that the board was considering four scenarios: 0 mil, 1 mil, 2 mil and the Act 1 index maximum of 3.984 mills. He said the board must select one of those options for advertisement under Pennsylvania Department of Education timelines, with a final budget expected in June.

The presentation outlined the district's largest cost drivers: wages (about 41% of the budget, roughly $22 million), benefits (about 31% and subject to a reported 16% health insurance increase), transportation and utilities (utilities reported above $1 million). The presenter said expiring federal ESSER funds reduce available revenue by roughly $3 million, and that the district is carrying a roughly $900,000…