Tredyffrin-Easttown board adopts $196.4 million 2026–27 budget, approves 4.99% tax increase

The Tredyffrin-Easttown School District board of school directors voted unanimously on June 8 to adopt the district’s 2026–27 final budget and related tax resolutions, approving a package that raises the tax rate and funds the opening of Bear Hill Elementary and a transition to full‑day kindergarten.

The roll-call vote on the final budget resolution passed 9–0. Board members said the increase was necessary to sustain programs and respond to rising costs, particularly special-education expenditures. Vice President Hong summarized the local impact: “For the average homeowner in our district, that translates to roughly $388 in their annual tax bill.”

Why it matters: The adopted budget, shown in the board packet as $196,422,650 in total budgeted revenue, supports roughly 6,800 students and the district’s staffing and operations. Superintendent-level presenters told the board the budget includes resources to open Bear Hill Elementary in August 2027 and to implement full‑day kindergarten districtwide; the presentation noted delivering that program in 2027 carries an anticipated price tag of $24,783,097.

Budget mechanics and reserves: District finance staff explained the budget is balanced using the Act 1 index revenue increase (3.5 percent) plus a special-education exception. The packet and slides show an authorized revenue line of $196,422,650. The board was also shown planned uses of fund balance and an $4.5 million budgetary contingency reserve. Finance staff explained a recurring $6 million capital transfer has been budgeted in prior years; the business officer said that transfer is discretionary and typically finalized after year‑end close. “If we were to pull out that 6 million, let’s say, out of the budget that we’re talking about this evening for 26‑27, that would … get rid of the deficit and it would put us in the black basically,” Mr. McDonald said during discussion.

Board members’ views: Several board members voiced support for the plan while acknowledging the burden on taxpayers. Miss Wild said the district’s reputation for excellence and the need to maintain staff and programs make the increase necessary. Mr. Canour and Dr. Hoinsky highlighted the long‑term investments (facilities, air conditioning, classrooms and athletic fields) that the district has prioritized. Vice President Hong placed the budget in a statewide context, noting growing special‑education costs and limited state funding increases.

Tax relief and homestead/farmstead exclusion: At the same meeting the board adopted the homestead/farmstead exclusion resolution for 2026–27. Mr. McDonald explained the resolution’s property tax allocation reduction figure and the assessed‑value reduction that underlies the exclusion (the resolution lists the exclusion amount). He said the average homestead benefit historically shown in the packet is around $346 per eligible filer and encouraged residents to file with the county to be eligible in future years.

Votes at a glance: • Final 2026–27 budget resolution — Passed, roll call 9–0. • Homestead/farmstead exclusion resolution — Passed 9–0. • Consent agenda (routine items) — Passed 9–0.

What’s next: The board directed staff to file the adopted budget with the state (the district must meet the June 30 filing timeline) and to finalize year‑end transfers after the audit and final close. The board also received a finance‑committee update on operating‑cost projections for Bear Hill Elementary (revised estimate $5.5–$6.5 million annually, subject to change pending attendance‑area decisions). The board will reconvene for the next regular meeting in late August.

Reporting notes: Figures and quotations in this report are drawn from the district’s June 8 meeting packet and the board discussion at the meeting. Where the packet lists line items (revenue, contingency, fund‑balance transfers), the board’s presenters referenced the same numbers during the public discussion.