Lower Moreland board approves proposed 2026–27 budget for 30‑day public display; plan assumes Act 1 index tax increase

The Lower Moreland Township School District board voted May 2 to approve a proposed final budget for the 2026–27 school year and place it on public display for the required 30 days ahead of final adoption.

Miss Ovington, presenting the proposal, said the document must be posted for 30 days and "does still have a $250,000 deficit that will not be here in June," and that staff expect to close the gap without drawing on the district's fund balance. The budget as presented assumes seeking the allowable Act 1 index tax increase this year; a board member noted the district would be "short a few million" without that step and staff confirmed the assumption.

Budget projections rely in part on revenue from local housing development: staff said 42 homes have been added to assessments so far and that sales of the remaining planned units are being phased over several years. Miss Ovington explained how interim assessments and transfer taxes affect revenue timing and said the district is exercising caution in its estimates.

Board members pressed staff on several cost drivers, including special-education placements, transportation and purchased professional services. A staff member explained that 15 students were placed out of district this year and that some newer placements are more intensive and therefore costlier, including home‑instruction arrangements billed through the intermediate unit. Staff also said the district spends about $1,100,000 annually to transport nonpublic students within the 10‑mile requirement.

To manage current‑year pressures, the administration said it has put a spending freeze on nonessential student functions and was recently notified of a $150,000 contingency payment that will help offset revenue shortfalls for the fiscal year. Staff emphasized ongoing monthly monitoring of receipts and expenses and said final figures will be clearer after July when state funding and transfer‑tax data are posted.

The board moved and seconded the budget motion; the chair called for a voice vote and reported the motion carried.

Next steps: the proposed final budget will be on display for 30 days before the board returns for final consideration and adoption. Staff said they expect to continue refining revenue estimates as development sales and late receipts are recorded.