Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Budget topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Kutztown Area SD board adopts 3.1-mil tax rate after rejecting lower 2.8 option; approves one support position elimination
Summary
The Kutztown Area School District board adopted the administration’s recommended final budget (Option B) — a 3.1-mil tax rate — after voting down a lower 2.8 option. The board also approved eliminating one full-time support position effective Aug. 14, 2026, as a budget-reduction measure.
The Kutztown Area School District Board of School Directors voted to adopt the administration’s recommended final budget for the 2026–27 fiscal year, approving Option B (a 3.1-mil tax rate) after rejecting an alternative 2.8-mil proposal.
Board members first considered Option C, the 2.8-mil plan, which was defeated on a roll-call vote, 7–2. Board members raised concerns that that option would produce a budget shortfall if adopted; the record shows the motion failed with Rea Hoffman and Aaron Engel voting yes and seven members voting no. After the defeat, the board moved to adopt Option B, the 3.1-mil plan, which the administration had recommended. The motion to adopt Option B passed by roll call with seven votes in favor and two opposed (Aaron Engel and Rea Hoffman).
As part of implementing the final budget, the board approved a resolution to eliminate one full-time support (classified) position effective Aug. 14, 2026, citing the action as a budget reduction and cost-savings measure. The board authorized the superintendent to issue written notices required by law and district policy; the elimination passed unanimously.
Votes at a glance: - Budget Option C (2.8 mil): failed 7–2 (Yes: Rea Hoffman, Aaron Engel; No: Cecilia Holt, Jeremiah Light, Michael Salsbury, Daniel Whismer, Laurel Ziggler, Matthew Beignyak, Jason Cook). - Budget Option B (3.1 mil — adopted): passed 7–2 (Yes: Cecilia Holt, Jeremiah Light, Michael Salsbury, Daniel Whismer, Laurel Ziggler, Matthew Beignyak, Jason Cook; No: Aaron Engel, Rea Hoffman). - Position elimination (one full-time support position): passed unanimously.
The board’s discussion emphasized the district’s fiscal health and the administration’s recommendation; members who opposed the lower-rate option cited the projected deficit and urged the board to adopt a structurally sound budget. The superintendent and administration framed Option B as the recommended path to preserve services while addressing revenue needs.
What happens next: the superintendent is authorized to take the procedural steps required to effect the personnel change, and the adopted budget will guide district operations for the 2026–27 school year. The board will continue regular oversight at subsequent meetings.
