Great Valley SD previews 3.5% tax increase in preliminary 2026–27 budget; average homeowner impact cited

The Great Valley School District presented a preliminary 2026–27 budget that uses the state Act 1 3.5% index and would raise the district’s millage rate from 25.22 to 26.10, with staff estimating roughly $4.3 million in additional tax revenue and an average homeowner impact of about $237.

Mrs. McGibney, the district staff member presenting the budget update, told the board the preliminary adoption is scheduled for next Monday and described the revenue mix: local revenue makes up the largest share (reported in the presentation as about 84%, or $118,345,000), state revenue roughly 15% (about $21 million), and federal revenue approximately 1% (Title grants and a medical‑reimbursement drawdown). “This budget was presented at the February 18th and the March 23rd finance committee meeting,” she said, and described the required public‑inspection and final‑adoption steps that would follow the preliminary vote.

Why it matters: district leaders said rising special‑education costs and benefit increases are the main drivers of budget pressure. Mrs. McGibney singled out special education as a large expenditure increase (about $4.8 million) while noting the district’s special‑education subsidy would rise only modestly (about $21,929), creating a gap that contributes to a projected net shortfall.

The presentation outlined several expenditure drivers: salary increases assumed at the Act 1 index, an estimated 6% increase in health‑benefit costs, higher specialized transportation expenses and contract renewals, and rising utilities and facility maintenance across district buildings. Staff described several one‑time and timing adjustments used to reduce the projected gap, including deferring a previously budgeted contingency of $380,000.

Staff reported the district had reduced an earlier projected deficit of about $2.5 million to a projected shortfall of roughly $817,500 through line‑by‑line adjustments and planned further review with consultants and the finance committee. On next steps, Mrs. McGibney said the finance committee will meet May 4 to review updates, the board will consider preliminary adoption at its next meeting, and final adoption is targeted for a June 1 special meeting after required public inspection.

Other packet items described in the meeting included capital and safety projects: a General Wayne Elementary roof restoration bid from Weatherproofing Technologies, Inc. for $2,152,491 (below a $2.5M budget), and a CO‑STARS security camera purchase for 41 Moors Road from Triangle Communications for $75,495 to be paid from school‑safety grant funds (staff emphasized there is no local cost for that purchase). Technology and curriculum items listed for next week’s agenda included replacement wireless hotspots (23 units, $1,174.77), a Burrow library pilot for kindergarten/first grade books ($1,130, funded by Ready to Learn), and a 14‑month Curriculum Associates Elevation contract ($27,480) to track English‑language proficiency and supports.

Board members pressed staff on implementation risk and asked for additional information before next week’s vote. The board packet and the finance committee slides will be available for public review in advance of the preliminary‑adoption vote. The board is scheduled to act on the preliminary budget at its next regular meeting; staff said public inspection and subsequent steps would follow the required timeline.