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Pine‑Richland board adopts 2025–26 budget over split vote after debate on millage increase
Summary
The Pine‑Richland School District board approved a $115.6 million general fund budget for 2025–26 with a 5–4 roll‑call vote after weeks of debate over whether to raise the millage to address a projected multi‑million dollar deficit next year.
The Pine‑Richland School District Board of School Directors voted 5–4 on June 9 to adopt the final general fund budget for the 2025–26 school year, approving $115,597,329 in expenditures and using $8,166,864 of assigned fund balance.
Board President Mr. Morissette called the motion; the budget passed after a roll‑call vote in which five directors voted yes and four voted no.
The budget drew the meeting’s longest discussion, focused on whether to raise millage to address a projected structural shortfall. Dr. Miller, the district superintendent, told the board: "Without a millage increase, we face a projected deficit of $4 to $5,000,000 next year." He and other supporters described the recommendation as a modest, short‑term step to avoid deeper cuts later.
The superintendent and administration said they had already reduced recurring costs by about $1 million, including eliminating 10.5 positions, and had identified capital needs that outpace current reserves. "Reserves are not helpful for recurring needs," Dr. Miller said, urging the board to view the decision as protecting programming and staff.
Opponents argued for deeper internal reviews and further cost reductions before asking taxpayers for more revenue. Director Mr. Cassidy and Director Mr. Koshani (recorded as Mr. Cushani in the roll call) voted no, saying the board should pursue more internal savings and longer‑range analysis before raising taxes.
During discussion the board reviewed long‑range projections provided by a financial advisor, Mr. Jeswick, showing a multi‑year trend that would create larger operating deficits if recurring revenue is not increased. Board members asked for continued follow‑up and updates on reserves, capital needs and multi‑year projections.
The adopted budget sets the district’s real estate tax rate at 19.5867 mills (no increase), an earned income tax of 0.5%, and per capita taxes as allowed under applicable law. The budget documents record total revenue of $107,430,461 and the planned use of assigned fund balance to balance the year.
Board members who voted yes are: Miss Hillman, Mr. Weethorn, Mr. Morissette, Mrs. Brucellus and Miss Miller. Board members who voted no are: Mr. Cassidy, Mr. Koshani, Mrs. Fortier and Miss Terchick. The motion was recorded as passing 5–4.
The superintendent and several board members said they expect further budget work in coming months and indicated the board may revisit staffing and revenue decisions as multi‑year projections and negotiations (including upcoming collective bargaining) become clearer.
Votes and related agenda items from the evening’s business also included routine approvals and first readings on several policies; those are summarized in a separate "Votes at a glance" briefing released by the district.
