Penn Manor SD board schedules proposed 3.5% tax increase for final vote on June 23

Penn Manor School District leaders voted on June 9 to put the proposed 2025–26 final budget, which includes a recommended 3.5% tax increase, on the June 23 voting agenda.

The administration highlighted two drivers of small budget changes since the prior meeting: final IU 13 special-education cost updates and modest growth in the local tax base. District business staff said the recommended 3.5% increase would allow the district to set aside about $2,115,000 for future construction and related facilities work; the administration estimated the median homeowner would face roughly a $90 increase in annual taxes under that levy.

During discussion board members debated an amendment to reduce the recommended increase to 3.25%. Supporters of the lower rate argued it would be fairer to taxpayers, while proponents of 3.5% said the district currently has “breathing room” under the Act 1 index and should use it to lock in resources for planned construction before the index declines in coming years. The amendment to 3.25% did not receive a second and was not advanced.

With a motion and second on the original proposal, the board agreed to place the proposed final budget and companion tax-levy resolutions on the June 23 voting agenda. Board members were asked to submit any remaining feedback to the superintendent by July 1; final adoption will occur during the June 23 meeting.

The board was careful to note that the budget contains a $750,000 contingency expense line that lacks offsetting revenue and that one element of the capital-reserve funding ($750,000) is contingent on the state budget aligning with the governor’s forecast.