Erie City SD board adopts 2026–27 budget with 2.88% tax increase after amendment to prioritize athletics funding

The Erie City School District board on June 29 adopted its final 2026–27 budget, approving a 2.88% property tax increase and a budget amendment intended to protect newly raised local revenue for athletics and, contingent on additional state funding, Ainsworth Field improvements.

Vice President Amatangelo moved to adopt the budget and Mr. Nichols seconded. After extensive public comment — including dozens of students and community members urging repairs to Ainsworth Field and new tennis courts — board member Mr. Harkkins offered an amendment that passed on a roll‑call vote. The amendment directs the administration to reopen and reallocate the budget within 30 days after the commonwealth’s budget is enacted if additional state funding arrives, so that the locally raised portion from the tax increase could be dedicated to Ainsworth capital work; if no additional state funds are received, the added local revenue will be applied as advised to cover inflationary and operating pressures.

The final budget passed on roll call, 7–2. Board members voting in favor were Mr. Nichols, Miss Amitangelo, Miss Kulie, Miss Graph, Mr. Harkkins, Miss Mki and Dr. Brenamman. Mr. Sheree and Mr. Horton voted no. Attorney Walker read the resolution and reminded the board the administration will file the required budget form with the Pennsylvania Department of Education within 15 days of adoption.

Board members and district leaders framed the increase as a mix of fiscal necessity and targeted investment. Mr. Nichols said the 2.88% option "allows for a $2.5 million increase in student activities, which would help the baseball, tennis and softball programs." Dr. Brenamman warned of state fiscal uncertainty and urged prudence: "there is still a deep sense of uncertainty about what the state intends to do with funding in general and education specifically." Mr. Harkkins, who sponsored the amendment, said he wanted taxpayers to "be getting something either way out of this deal" — either the district uses the funds to stabilize operations or, if extra state aid appears, the board dedicates the locally raised revenue to Ainsworth improvements.

The board recorded the budget levy at 20.3790 mills per dollar of assessed valuation (the resolution includes standard millage language). The vote ends the board’s formal budget process for the year and authorizes staff to move forward with the district’s operating plan for 2026–27. The board also approved the Homestead and Farmstead exclusion as part of the post‑budget actions.

What happens next: the administration will post budget documents and proceed with procurement and implementation steps. If the state budget yields additional funds for the district, the board will meet within the 30‑day window to consider reallocating the locally raised tax revenue as the amendment contemplates.