Northern Cambria Board adopts $21.68 million general fund budget for 2025–26 with no real-estate tax increase

The Northern Cambria School Board on June 24 adopted the district’s final 2025–26 general fund budget, reporting an estimated beginning fund balance of $3,500,000 on July 1, 2025, total anticipated revenues of $21,683,565 and total anticipated disbursements matching that amount. Board leaders said the adopted budget reflects no real-estate tax increase for the coming year.

The meeting packet also included and the board adopted a final capital projects budget (roughly $4,956,000) and described a planned $400,000 transfer from the general fund to capital. Business manager/treasurer presented the May cash position prior to the vote: beginning cash $408,725, total receipts $3,896,212 and an ending cash balance of $3,040,577 as of May 31.

Board discussion touched on whether the budget included amounts the district is seeking through state advocacy; the superintendent said the budget was filed as presented but acknowledged state appropriations can shift before final approval. The board also approved several routine items during the meeting, including enrollment of the district in the PSBA unemployment-compensation plan and renewal of PSBA membership.

Health benefits and insurance matters drew additional attention. The board approved the PSEA Health and Welfare Fund program for a one-year period beginning July 1, 2025; one board member announced an abstention citing potential direct benefit, and trustees discussed whether to delay the vote but ultimately recorded the motion and roll call. The district's participation in a health-care consortium for 2025–26 was approved and said to reflect a roughly 7 percent increase in premiums.

Next steps: the administration will continue to monitor state funding outcomes and communicate any material changes; collective-bargaining and benefits costs were flagged as items for careful review in upcoming contract negotiations.