Quakertown board approves proposed final 2026–27 budget with 3.5% tax assumption

The Quakertown Community School District board approved the proposed final budget for the 2026–27 school year in a roll-call vote, advancing the measure to a final adoption vote in June.

Board President (presiding officer) called for the roll-call vote after a motion from Board member Hippoff and a second from Board member Spear. The board’s roll-call recorded nine affirmative votes and no opposition.

The budget presented to trustees assumes a 3.5% tax increase. Board member Hippoff told colleagues the figure is part of a working proposal and that revenue and expense numbers are still evolving. “Currently, we’re looking at a just shy of a $9,900,000 deficit, and that’s with the 3 and a half percent tax increase,” Hippoff said, urging continued work on revenue and trimming options.

Administration and trustees said the approved item is the proposed final budget; the legally required final adoption will occur at the June meeting after additional updates and any adjustments based on incoming revenue data. Several trustees emphasized that the June vote will finalize levy and spending levels.

The board took the vote amid a wider discussion earlier in the meeting about capital projects, fund balance and efforts to limit program impacts while managing costs. Trustees asked administration to continue refining revenue estimates and identify further expense reductions before the final vote.

The board’s action Thursday does not yet set tax bills for property owners; it advances the district’s internal budget process and sets the timeline for the legally required final vote next month.