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Board reviews final budget projections, authorizes grant ratification and advances capital priorities
Summary
Business office presented final budget projections with a modest shortfall and recommended a 2.59% tax increase; the board moved multiple consent items including a DCED grant ratification and discussed capital priorities such as a multi-phase auditorium overhaul estimated at $1.3–1.5M.
Perkiomen Valley's business office presented a near-final budget and a slate of capital projects, and the board approved routine consent items and a DCED grant resolution to support fire-panel and other safety work.
The district’s finance presentation outlined general-fund projections and a proposed total tax increase of 2.59%, which the business manager said would raise the average tax bill on an $180,000 assessment by approximately $170 annually (about $14 per month). Administration characterized the projection as conservative and said use of reserves and updated revenue assumptions reduced earlier shortfall estimates. The board asked questions and acknowledged the work of the finance team in narrowing the gap.
On capital projects, administration proposed a phased auditorium lighting and sound overhaul for Middle School East and West to address aging systems; the total project was estimated at $1.3–$1.5 million with a Phase 1 bid solicitation this summer focused on safety items at an estimated $500,000–$750,000. Other capital needs listed included playground replacements and paving (estimated $640,000 for several lots) and potential fire-panel replacements tied to a DCED grant requiring a 25% local match (~$602,000 match reported as the board’s portion).
Board members moved many administrative items to consent. A motion to ratify the DCED Public School Facility Improvement Grant application was moved and approved during the meeting. ParentSquare, a consolidated communications platform with translation features, was presented as a replacement for the district’s Blackboard messages and proposed for implementation over the summer.
Food-service prices were recommended for a modest increase of $0.10 per meal building-wide to offset a projected $75,000 shortfall; one-dollar breakfast programs and free breakfast eligibility were noted to continue. Administration said final budget adoption would follow required public-notice timelines.
