Easton Area SD board approves proposed $214.1 million budget and advances $300 million capital plan for new high school amid public tax concerns

The Easton Area School District board approved the district—s proposed final budget for 2025—26 and advanced planning for a $300 million capital program to fund a new high school, following a presentation from district finance staff and public comment raising concerns about future property tax increases.

Jack Trent, district finance presenter, told the board the proposed budget totals $214,105,899 and relies on a proposed millage of 72.17 mills, a 3.5% increase. The district also previewed a Raymond James public finance plan for a $300,000,000 capital program to underwrite the new high school and related projects.

The budget presentation laid out revenue and expenditure estimates and steps taken since March to close an earlier deficit: local revenues are projected at roughly $150 million, state revenues about $60 million and federal revenues about $4 million; salary and benefits lines were reduced through retirement incentives and other measures. Trent said the district—s deadlines…