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South Moreland board adopts $38.8M budget, approves 3‑mill and 1.56‑mill tax increases in 5‑4 vote
Summary
The South Moreland School District board on June 23 approved a $38,826,520.51 final budget that includes a 3‑mill increase for Westmoreland County and a 1.56‑mill increase for Fayette County; the measure passed 5‑4 amid debate over curriculum spending and access to budget materials.
The South Moreland School District board adopted its 2026–27 final budget of $38,826,520.51 on June 23, 2026, approving tax increases of 3 mills for Westmoreland County and 1.56 mills for Fayette County after a 5‑4 roll‑call vote.
Board members who voted in favor were Mr. Alexander, Mr. Yutzy, Mrs. Geyer, Mr. Grabiec and Mr. Thomas; Dr. Fyke, Mrs. Moore, Mr. Olson and one member recorded as opposing (no) votes. The board first voted 6–3 to end discussion before taking the final roll call.
Supporters of the budget said it was necessary to cover district obligations, including planned staffing changes and curriculum purchases. During debate board members discussed a state requirement for an evidence‑based integrated reading curriculum; administration said the curriculum purchase remained in the budget and estimated a line item discussed during the meeting at roughly $185,000.
Dissenting members raised procedural objections about access to documents and substantive concerns about particular spending decisions. One board member repeatedly said they had not been given materials required to review items before voting and said that lack of access prevented them from supporting some measures.
The budget package also authorizes specific tax‑related resolutions required by state code and a separate real estate taxation resolution that the board adopted later in the meeting. The administration explained that differences in county common level ratios explain why Westmoreland and Fayette county portions of the levy appear different on tax listings.
Votes at a glance (selected actions approved at the June 23 meeting): - Final 2026–27 budget (adopted): $38,826,520.51; tax increases: 3 mills (Westmoreland), 1.56 mills (Fayette); roll‑call vote 5–4. - Homestead/farmstead distribution of gaming tax funds: $1,634,369 to qualified properties (approved). - Continuation of district Act 511 taxes, including EIT, LST, per‑capita and real estate transfer taxes (approved). - Real estate taxation resolution under Section 687 of the School Code of 1949 (approved). - Monthly financial reports and treasurer’s report (approved by majority; some members said they had not seen materials).
The board said the budget adoption completes the district’s formal requirements for setting tax rates and approving the operating plan for the coming school year. The minutes will record individual votes; administration said required pre‑budget procedures were followed and noted prior committee review of major items.
