Altoona Area School District posts preliminary 2025–26 budget after board debate over proposed tax increase

The Altoona Area School District board voted on a roll‑call to post the preliminary 2025–26 general fund budget for public inspection after a lengthy debate over whether the district should include a proposed 3% tax increase in the posting. The motion to post the budget passed after recorded yes votes from Mignon, Francis, McGinnis, Cook, McCauley and Pappas; the board president said the vote permits the public to review the proposal before a final vote in June.

Why it matters: The preliminary budget sets expectations for taxpayers and frames the June final vote. Several board members urged caution about raising taxes this year, citing a district fund balance projected at roughly $33.09 million and concerns about the district’s current expenses.

Board members opposed and in favor: "I'm personally opposed to any tax increase at all," said Dave, a board member who urged holding a tax increase for one year to ease the burden on retirees and other residents. He argued the district could use fund balance to cover shortfalls.

Another board member who identified himself as in favor of not raising taxes pointed to recent multi‑year increases and said voters had already felt the impact. Administration and other board members countered that last year's tax actions and additional state aid had already provided funding and that a modest increase could be considered later. The administration reported the payments list included over $500,000 paid to cyber charter schools and said the district's total budgeted payments to cyber charters approach $5,000,000, a point several members cited as a concern when considering alternatives.

What the board approved: The board’s roll‑call vote approved posting the preliminary budget as printed so residents can review it at the district business office and on the district website. The chair clarified that posting the preliminary budget does not finalize tax rates; final adoption and any decision on a tax increase will occur at a later meeting in June.

Next steps: The budget will be available for public inspection and comment before the board takes a final vote in June. Residents can review the proposed budget at the district business office or online, as announced by the administration.