Upper Perkiomen board approves 3.5% millage increase for 2024–25 budget

The Upper Perkiomen School District Board of Directors voted to adopt the 2024–25 budget with a 3.5% millage increase at its regular meeting, approving the finance committee’s recommendation after extended discussion about rising costs and state funding shortfalls.

A finance‑committee member who moved the motion said the committee had been reviewing the budget since November and sought a lower increase where possible. The board president noted the millage change translates to a roughly 4.9% local tax increase, and the board adopted the resolution by voice vote.

Public commenters during the agenda period urged caution. Ray Ann Roth, of Hamburg, told the board that ‘‘millage increase and higher tax increase are two different things’’ and warned that fixed‑income seniors could be disproportionately affected. Another resident who reviewed district financials said his round‑the‑numbers estimate showed the district ‘‘breaking even’’ and urged the board to avoid raising taxes.

Board members cited rising prices, limited state and federal funding and a need to preserve programs and services as drivers for the chosen millage. The budget adoption included standard administrative approvals (homestead/farmstead exclusion resolution and routine transfers), and trustees approved a series of related policy and contract items during the same meeting.

The board did not provide a roll‑call tally for the budget vote; the motion passed by voice vote. Next steps discussed at the meeting included routine implementation of the adopted budget and continued outreach to parents about fall registration and schedules.