Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Budget topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Delaware Valley board adopts $102.5 million budget with 3.5% tax increase after debate
Summary
The Delaware Valley School District board approved a $102,519,418 general fund budget for 2026–27 that carries a 3.5% tax increase; the measure passed 7–2 after members debated the impact on small businesses and the need for longer-range fiscal planning.
The Delaware Valley School District board on a split vote adopted the district’s $102,519,418 general fund budget for 2026–27, approving a 3.5% tax increase intended to fund salaries, programs and existing contracts.
Board members began consideration of item 10d after the superintendent presented the budget package and a review of revenue and expenditure figures. One board member expressed concern that the district has alternated years of minimal increases and larger hikes, saying the pattern makes business planning difficult and that they would vote no on principle. “A lot of these people are saying the way we raise taxes really affect their businesses directly… I’m gonna be voting no tonight in hopes that next year we actually start planning these taxes earlier,” the board member said.
Other members countered that the package maintains district programs and helps retain and recruit teachers. A fellow board member said reducing services would harm students and argued the budget preserves extracurricular and academic offerings. “I’m okay with the increase because we’re keeping all the programs for the kids,” a board member said.
After discussion the board took a roll-call vote: seven in favor and two opposed; the motion carried. The adopted levy language in the motion referenced a middle-age real estate rate of 128.71 mills and the district’s annual levy and transfer-tax resolutions as presented in the budget attachments.
Why it matters: District leaders said the increase is principally driven by negotiated contracts and compensation decisions they view as necessary for teacher recruitment and retention. Opponents urged developing a steady multi-year plan rather than alternating large and no increases, a point several members agreed should be explored by the budget and finance committee.
Next steps: The board will move forward with the approved budget and asked its finance and audit committee to refine longer-term revenue planning and present options in coming months.
