Sto‑Rox leaders say tax increase likely as district aims to exit financial recovery

Nancy Hines, the chief recovery officer for the Sto‑Rox School District, told the district's monthly recovery meeting that staff expect 2025'26 could be the first of the multi-year improvement years needed to exit financial recovery if projected balances hold, but cautioned the board will have tough choices about capital repairs and taxes.

"We just absolutely cannot wait at the district any longer for them to take a lead role," Hines said of an engineering team the district has requested to assess the junior/senior high school. Hines also reported an unbudgeted IRS liability of $13,903.15, and said the solicitor is reviewing that matter while administration will seek board approval to pay to cap penalties.

Why it matters: Sto‑Rox remains under state-assigned financial recovery supports that bring extra staffing and grant opportunities, but officials and staff said the label carries a stigma and limits district independence. Leaders told the meeting those supports have helped stabilize operations, yet the district…