Northern Lebanon board adopts 4.2% index tax increase for 2026–27 budget after split vote
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Summary
The Northern Lebanon School District board voted 5–4 to adopt a budget built on a 4.2% index tax increase for 2026–27 after debate about charter-school costs, CTC renovation obligations and use of fund balance.
The Northern Lebanon School District Board of Directors voted 5–4 on Feb. 10 to approve a budget based on a 4.2% index tax increase for the 2026–27 fiscal year.
President Barry Nam, who moved the measure, said the district faces three forces that leave little room to avoid a tax increase: inflation, a required contribution to Lebanon County Career & Technology Center renovations and charter-school payments. "Until charter schools are reformed and until that funding is reformed, it's killing us," Nam said, adding that the district faces an estimated share "just south of $2,000,000" for CTC renovations if partner districts agree.
Board members who opposed the motion urged more restraint and additional exploration of alternative funding. "That's asking a lot of our community," Director Krieser said, arguing the board should pursue grants and exhaust reserve-management options before adopting the full index. Several directors recommended a lower increase, suggesting 2%–3% would meet immediate needs while preserving fund balance.
Supporters said planning now would avoid larger increases later. "I would rather be in a situation where we have planned and we have enough," one director said, arguing that a larger, early increase can prevent deeper cuts or steeper hikes in future years.
Roll-call votes were recorded as follows: Director Krieser — No; Director Moyer — No; Director Fowler — Yes; Director England — Yes; Director Blau — No; Director Murray — Yes; Director Klein — Yes; Vice President Williams — No; President Barry Nam — Yes. The motion carried (5 yes, 4 no).
The administration told the board the 4.2% index approach would reduce the district fund balance by an estimated $990,000 under current projections; administrators repeatedly described the budget they presented as conservative and contingent on state funding and CTC decisions. Board members asked administrators to continue pursuing grants and to report back if outside funding or revised CTC costs change the district's needs.
Next steps: the board moved on to other agenda items; administration will finalize budget documents for adoption procedures required by state law and will bring additional policy items back for future review.