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Montoursville board hears 2026–27 budget preview and adopts several routine measures; final millage decision set for June
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Summary
The Montoursville Area SD board reviewed a budget preview showing a projected 2026–27 deficit if taxes are unchanged, heard options modeling 1%–4% millage increases and approved routine financial and personnel items; final budget adoption is scheduled for June 9.
The Montoursville Area School District board on Tuesday heard a detailed preview of the district's 2026–27 finances from business manager Jess and approved a string of routine motions including treasurer reports, invoice payments and several personnel actions.
Jess told the board the district's current local revenue stands near $19,050,960 and state revenue at about $17.1 million; federal figures were included in packet materials. She said the administration's current projection shows an $836,028 deficit for 2026–27 if the district maintains the current millage. Jess presented scenario modeling for a 1% and 2% millage increase and noted the Act 1 maximum (17.84 mills) as a 4% example, estimating how each option would change revenue and the typical homeowner's tax bill. She stressed bond obligations and used prior capital reserves to show how the fund balance would be affected under each scenario, and said the final budget will be presented for adoption at the June 9 meeting.
Board members asked clarifying questions about insurance and benefit projections. Jess said health-insurance costs are projected to continue rising and that the administration budgeted a 9.9% increase for the next year based on current consortium guidance and market expectations. She also described an estimated additional $822,000 bond payment tied to an ongoing construction project and explained that some capital reserves previously set aside would be used to limit the amount drawn from the general fund.
On procedural business, the board moved and approved the March 10 regular minutes and March 27 work-session minutes, accepted the treasurer's report for the period ending March 31, and approved the presented invoices for payment. Members also approved additions and resignations to the staff, the 2025–26 bus driver and bus aide list, and the expulsion of student 270160 as adjudicated.
The business manager characterized the presentation as informational and said no direction was required from the board that evening; she asked the board to discuss options at upcoming work sessions ahead of the June vote.
The next regular meeting will include further budget conversation and additional agenda items the administration said would be brought back for consideration.
