Mount Pleasant Area SD board adopts $40.37M 2026–27 budget with no tax increase; board approves Costa Rica trip

Mount Pleasant Area SD board members voted to adopt the district’s final 2026–27 budget and approved several routine agenda items, including a student field trip to Costa Rica in summer 2027.

Budget presenter Mr. Deritza told the board the district’s final budget shows projected revenues of $39,969,084 and total expenditures of $40,369,144, producing a budgeted shortfall of $400,060. "That gives us a deficit of $400,060," he said, adding that the plan includes no tax (millage) increase for 2026–27.

Deritza noted changes from earlier drafts: the budget now includes funding for one PCCD-funded weapon detection system (down from two) and the hiring of a full-time police officer whose position will be partially paid with grant funds. The typical transfer to the capital reserve fund was eliminated for 2026–27 because bond proceeds will cover some projects; the transfer is expected to resume in 2027–28. The presenter warned that if the district budgets recurring deficits the fund balance could decline over the next five years.

After debate and a roll-call vote, the board adopted the final budget (tenure of vote and roll call recorded during the meeting). The roll-call on the final budget reflected six yes votes and two no votes; the motion carried.

The board approved a number of related and routine items during the meeting:

- Personnel consent items (3.1–3.10, with 3.3 removed from the agenda) were approved as a package. - Athletics and activities items (4.1–4.4) and finance items (5.1–5.6) were approved by consolidated motion. - Buildings and grounds items (6.1–6.4) were approved; one board member stated an abstention on those items prior to the vote. - Curriculum agreements (8.1) were approved for readiness before the school year begins. - The board approved an international field trip (8.2) to Costa Rica for summer 2027 by a 7–1 roll-call vote; Mrs. Eckles voted no and one member was absent. - The IEP-writer subscription (9.1), remote instruction days (10.1), use of school facilities (10.2), and a PA educator subscription ($1,750 annually, 10.3) were approved. - Student and adult meal prices (10.5 and 10.6), the homestead/farmstead resolution (10.8) and annual approvals of medical doctors and dentists for 2026–27 (10.9) were approved.

Board members noted a projected beginning fund balance of approximately $5.8 million and a projected ending fund balance of about $5.2 million after accounting for the 2026–27 budgeted deficit. Mr. Deritza said updated forecasts reduced the previously projected deficit and that the finance committee budgeted state grant revenue assumptions at 100% of the governor’s proposal pending final state action.

The board closed with congratulations to new hires and no further citizen comments; the meeting adjourned after a motion and voice vote.

Votes at a glance: - Final budget resolution (10.7): Adopted, roll-call result recorded in meeting (six yes, two no). - Costa Rica field trip (8.2): Adopted 7–1 (Mrs. Eckles opposed; Mrs. Lovas absent). - Personnel consent package (3.1–3.10, excluding 3.3): Adopted by voice vote. - IEP subscription (9.1): Adopted by voice vote.

The board directed administration and finance committee to monitor multi-year fund-balance projections and to revisit strategies to avoid recurring deficits.