Officials outline $275–$300 million capital program, urge early budget planning

Ken Phillips, a managing director with Raymond James, told the Easton Area School District Board on March 11 that advisers had modeled funding for a potential capital program in the $275 million to $300 million range and urged the district to begin putting money in place in fiscal 2025-26.

The presentation outlined phased borrowing beginning in 2026, possible refinancing opportunities for existing debt, and an estimated millage impact tied to Pennsylvania's Act 1 index. "We're going to share with you some of the thoughts that we have for a building program in the 275 to $300,000,000 range," Phillips said, adding that the plan was a financing framework rather than a prescription for specific construction work.

The advisers said the district's historic debt position is favorable and that refinancing two existing issues could save money; the presentation estimated modest savings for a 2019 issue and more than $1 million in savings for a 2018A series if refinanced under current…