Methacton board approves 2026–27 preliminary budget, authorizes Act 1 special-education exception
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Summary
The Methacton School District board on Feb. 17 approved a 2026–27 preliminary budget that would require a 5.29% tax increase and authorized administration to apply for a special-education referendum exception under Act 1; the motion passed 9–0.
The Methacton School District Board of School Directors approved the district’s 2026–27 preliminary budget on Feb. 17, authorizing submission on PDE Form 2028 that reflects total expenditures of $143,485,304 and anticipated revenues of $141,714,243.
Miss Steffey, the district’s director of business services, told the board the package projects a shortfall that makes it necessary to seek a special-education referendum exception under Pennsylvania’s Act 1. The proposed plan would require a 5.29% property-tax increase; the district’s Act 1 index this year is 3.5%, board members noted during questions.
Board members said approving a preliminary budget tonight preserves the district’s options ahead of the final budget vote in May. "The final budget will not be voted on until May, and that's very important," Miss Steele said, urging caution about immediate cuts that could jeopardize literacy, MTSS and security priorities.
At public comment, resident Jim Malek challenged the administration’s choices and urged the board to adopt alternate reductions he said would avoid exceeding the Act 1 index. "If you did these alternate reductions," Malek said, "we wouldn't be going above the index." The administration and several board members responded that the packet contains alternative reductions and that finance forums and committee reviews are ongoing.
After a short period for board discussion, a motion to approve item 7.1 — the 2026–27 preliminary budget, requiring a 5.29% tax increase and authorizing the administration to apply for the special-education referendum exception in accordance with Act 1 — was moved by Miss Chanda, seconded by Miss Steele and carried by a voice vote of 9–0.
Ms. Steffey said the district will apply to the Pennsylvania Department of Education for the exception; the state is expected to respond by March 25 with a yes-or-no decision. The administration said it will continue to pursue internal efficiencies and bring a proposed final budget for board consideration in April (presentation) and adoption in May.
The board chair said the action tonight allows the district to preserve the option to exceed the Act 1 index at the final vote if necessary; it is not final approval of tax rates for the year.