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Kennett board releases $112.4M proposed budget and approves lunch price increases for 2026–27
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Summary
The board released a proposed $112,414,800 general operating budget that would represent a 3.7% tax increase if adopted and approved higher paid-lunch prices (elementary $3.25; middle/high $3.50; adults $5.10) to reduce a projected food-service deficit.
The Kennett Consolidated School District on April 13 released its proposed final general operating budget for 2026–27 at $112,414,800 and approved new paid-lunch prices as the district prepares its final vote in June.
Mister Tracy, presenting the finance materials, said the proposed final budget would represent a 3.7% tax increase if the board carries that rate into the final levy process. The administration described multiple adjustments incorporated since the preliminary budget, including revenue changes tied to grants and reductions in charter-tuition rates. The board voted to release the proposed final budget; the final levy and tax rate will be set in June under Commonwealth procedures.
On food service, Tracy described pressure from Chartwells contract costs, benefits and rising food prices and said full staffing would create a significant operating shortfall. To reduce the projected deficit, the board approved a 25% increase in paid-lunch prices for 2026–27: elementary lunches $3.25, middle and high school lunches $3.50 and adult lunches $5.10. Breakfast will remain free for all students.
The board also approved Chester County Intermediate Unit (CCIU) budgets presented by Dr. Garrett: a 2026–27 core services budget of $50,180,724 and an occupational education budget of $34,574,320. Dr. Garrett said core services are flat-funded while the occupational budget includes a modest increase.
Budget context: Mister Tracy reported the district's cash and investments at $44.7 million and noted food service had a modest monthly net profit this past month ($20,349) but faces structural cost pressures. The board approved the CCIU budgets, the lunch-price adjustments and the release of the proposed final budget by voice votes.
Next steps: Administration will continue budget refinement ahead of the final budget adoption in June; the board will consider additional staff-provided detail on special education expenditures and other line items at upcoming meetings.
