Tunkhannock Area SD board approves zero-mill proposed draft budget, projects $5.03 million shortfall

The Tunkhannock Area School District board on Monday approved a proposed draft budget for 2026–27 that keeps the tax rate at zero mills while projecting a $5,034,011 shortfall the district plans to cover from its fund balance.

Superintendent remarks and a district presentation outlined the preliminary numbers before the board voted. The draft shows roughly $58 million in expenses against about $53 million in projected revenues, with wages accounting for $22,669,000 and benefits just under $17 million. The presenter noted about 79% of the budget is fixed spending the district cannot easily reduce.

The superintendent told the board he will not present a budget that includes a tax increase at this stage and emphasized the district’s “healthy” general fund balance, which the presentation estimated at about $17.8 million at the start of the fiscal year. The board was told the district expects to finish 2025–26 with an…