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Pennridge board approves $165.25 million budget and associated tax levies after debate
Summary
The Pennridge School District board approved the 2026–27 general fund budget with revenues and expenditures reported at $165,250,509 and approved associated tax levies after a debate at the June meeting, including discussion of a 3% local tax increase and calls for increased state funding.
The Pennridge School District Board of School Directors on the June end‑of‑year meeting approved the district’s final general fund budget for 2026–27 and voted to levy local taxes to support it.
Presiding officer Miss Sherino moved the motion to approve the final general fund budget, which the board recorded with revenues and expenditures totaling $165,250,509. The board conducted a roll call and passed the motion.
Board discussion before the vote included a statement read on behalf of absent board member Mr. McMullen urging caution on tax increases and noting unsettled cost variables such as health care and the financial implications of the potential South Middle School closure. In contrast, board members supporting the budget argued the district must act now to avoid deep cuts and highlighted systemic state underfunding. One board member said the board would cast a “yes” vote in support of the budget and described the choice as a fiscally responsible measure to protect programs and services.
After passing the budget motion, the board approved motions to levy district taxes as listed in the agenda (motion language in the meeting): a 1.00% earned income tax, a 0.5% real estate transfer tax and a $5 local services tax; those motions were approved by roll call.
The board also approved the 2026 Homestead and Farmstead exclusion resolution and set 2026 property tax installment dates of August 31, October 31 and December 15. A separate motion committed designated funds for the fiscal year ending 2026 (items a–c) and was approved.
Board members emphasized local cost‑saving measures — the administration reported more than $7.3 million in local savings this year — while several members framed the budget vote as a response to a broader state funding gap the board described in the meeting as approximately $15 million for the district. The board approved a separate resolution calling for increased state funding and suggesting reforms including a cap on cyber charter tuition.
Next steps: the board’s finance committee will continue to monitor implementation and any variable costs that could affect the district’s fiscal outlook.
Quotes: "While we're making steady progress in reducing the structural deficit ... I still believe we owe the taxpayers to exhaust every reasonable option before asking them for more," a statement read from Mr. McMullen. A board member supporting the budget said, "To ignore these rising systemic costs and vote no tonight would mean forcing deep devastating cuts that put our students' academic excellence and our community's property values at serious risk."
