Penn-Trafford board tentatively adopts $71.9 million preliminary budget; resident urges senior tax freeze

The Penn-Trafford School District Board of School Directors voted to tentatively adopt a $71,932,909 preliminary budget for the 2026–27 school year during its May 4 meeting, with a roll-call vote of six in favor and three members recorded as absent.

Board members and administrators spent the meeting reviewing line items, discussing potential cuts and revenue adjustments, and answering questions about the state funding formula. Mr. Nemeth moved to tentatively adopt the budget for advertisement and publication under district policy and the school laws of Pennsylvania; the motion passed on a roll-call vote.

The discussion focused on several revenue and cost issues. District business staff said $240,000 was recoded to the lease revenue account for the administrative building; the board also awaits confirmation of approximately $397,000 in expected state revenue that staff said is not yet final. Officials noted the state index for millage this year is 4.12 mills, which sets the maximum the district may raise local taxes under state rules.

“Remember, this is a preliminary. This does not mean it’s a final,” Rebecca (Becky), the district finance representative, told the board as members discussed next steps and additional savings work. She said staff will continue refining revenue and expense figures and will report back before final adoption on June 15.

Board members identified potential areas to examine for savings, including overtime, contract services (custodial uniform service vs. purchases), event costs such as warrior-reception expenses, and outsourcing for grounds maintenance. Administrators also warned of upcoming mandated, unfunded curriculum work — including a science curriculum overhaul — that will increase costs in coming years.

A member of the public, Mr. Barniak, used his public-comment time to urge the board to implement a policy to cap or freeze school taxes for residents aged 65 and older based on the graduation date of their youngest child. “I would like to see the board … cap taxes on an individual 65 and older from the day their youngest child graduated from school,” he said. Board members said they would look into whether the board has authority to implement such a program and acknowledged the concern about fixed-income seniors.

The board approved the consent agenda earlier in the meeting and moved other routine personnel and graduation-list items by separate roll-call votes. The motion to tentatively adopt the preliminary budget now moves the proposal into the required public-advertisement phase; the board must adopt a final budget at its June meeting after additional review and any changes to revenue estimates.