Abington SD finance director reports revenue gains, spending freeze; residents press tax impact

Miss Denicola told the Abington Board of School Directors on March 24 that as of Feb. 28 the district had fiscal-year-to-date revenues of $159,141,494 compared with $156,182,451 during the same period last year, an increase of roughly $2.95 million. Expenditures as of Feb. 28 were $111,429,721, a decrease of about $1,000,000 (2.89%) from the prior year.

Denicola said part of the revenue increase came from local earned income and real-estate tax collections. The district has initiated a spending freeze "only allowing actual needed expenditures," and board members noted a two-year plan to cut costs and rely on attrition and vacancy review to reduce ongoing expenses.

Resident Connie Briggs questioned what specific steps the district is taking to keep future tax increases low while protecting educational quality. She cited an earlier district presentation showing that for a median homestead assessed at $127,450 the proposed tax increase would amount to about $14.33 per month from a 3.5% Act 1 increase plus about $27 per month tied to middle-school debt, a total of about $41 per month. Briggs also noted the preliminary budget planned to rely on approximately $2,400,000 from fund balance to close a gap.

The board said it would continue to separate the tax impact of voter-approved middle-school debt from operating cost growth and noted the state's (PDE) decision on the district's request to exceed the Act 1 cap was due March 25. Board members emphasized the balance of increased revenue and reduced spending as a positive sign while acknowledging continued budget pressures.

By roll call the board approved the financial report for the period ending Feb. 28, 2026.