Sto‑Rox presents proposed 2026–27 budget; board initiates 30‑day public review

The Sto‑Rox School District presented its proposed final budget for the 2026–27 school year and initiated the required 30‑day public review period.

Business‑office presenter Mr. Reed outlined key dates: after the board presentation on May 21 the proposed final budget would post online and at each school for a 30‑day public inspection period, with adoption expected at the June 24 board meeting. Mr. Reed told the board the district remains in financial recovery; he said the Pennsylvania Department of Education requires districts in recovery to demonstrate a positive fund balance for three consecutive years and to project five additional years of positive balances before exiting recovery.

The administration presented three millage scenarios for review. The recommended option was a 0.5‑mill increase (described in the presentation as roughly a 1.57% increase), which the presentation showed would balance the projected revenues and expenditures of $41,913,668. Under the 0.5‑mill scenario the presentation listed household impacts (for example: approximately $74.99 annually for a home assessed at $150,000, about $6.25 per month). The budget presentation also cited primary expenditures—salaries, benefits and charter tuition—constituting about 75% of the total projected costs.

Mr. Reed and the administration warned that figures depend on final state appropriations and noted the governor’s budget process timing; revenue estimates were described as conservative and based on prior‑year input from PASBO and PSBA. The board approved moving the proposed final budget to the 30‑day review window by vote during omnibus action later in the meeting (see appointments/consent article).