Coatesville board adopts $256.5 million 2026–27 budget, sets millage at 45.917

The Coatsville Area School District board approved the district’s final 2026–27 general fund budget on June 9, adopting $256.5 million in operating expenditures and a real estate tax rate of 45.917 mills.

District officials recommended funding the budget with a 3.5% tax increase — the standard Act 1 index — rather than the district’s full adjusted index of 4.5%. Presenting the plan, district staff said total operating revenue stands at $253.1 million, with local revenue making up roughly 63.6% and state revenue about 33.4% of the total.

Why it matters: the tax change means a direct impact on homeowners. The administration said an average home assessment of $200,000 would translate to about $26 more per month — approximately $312 a year — under the proposed millage. Officials also said the budget uses about $3.3 million (1.3%) of fund balance to balance revenues and expenditures.

Budget details: during a committee presentation staff walked through major object categories and revenue sources and answered board questions about timing of state revenue receipts. The presentation highlighted rising special‑education costs and charter‑school funding mechanics that factor into district expenditures. Administrators recommended the 3.5% increase as a balance between compensation and taxpayer responsibility.

Board action: after committee review the school board voted to approve the budget and the accompanying tax resolution at a special meeting later the same evening. The vote was recorded as unanimous.

What’s next: administrators said the district will place the approved minutes and budget documents on file and continue monitoring revenue receipts and potential state funding changes that could alter midyear projections.