Pennridge board approves preliminary budget with 3% proposed tax increase

The Pennridge School District board voted on May 4 to approve a preliminary 2026–27 general‑fund budget and a proposed 3% increase in the real‑estate tax rate, the first of two required votes.

Board leadership said the increase is part of a plan to close a multi‑million dollar deficit that administrators have been reducing over recent months. The presiding officer opened the night by noting the district had cut its deficit “from 10,000,000 to $4,800,000” through planning and reductions and stressed that the administration is working to protect classroom programs while balancing the budget.

The motion to approve the proposed final budget as presented carried after an extended discussion in which some board members urged a more modest tax move combined with additional cost‑saving measures. One board member said, “I’ll be voting no against the proposed 3% tax rate increase tonight,” citing concern about the burden on fixed‑income households and urging a more measured approach. Other directors said the district faces rising costs and the end of one‑time federal funding and argued the increase is necessary to maintain programs and staffing.

Under the motion presented to the board, revenues and expenditures in the proposed general fund were declared balanced at the figures presented to the board; the administration described the tax‑rate change as a 3% increase to the current real‑estate rate. Trustees voted to pass the motion tonight; a second, required vote will be held at the June meeting and the rate could still be adjusted before final adoption.

During public comments before the vote, dozens of residents urged alternatives to a tax increase: some called for an organizational review and rightsizing of administrative positions, others urged use of one‑time fund balances or targeted cuts, and older residents warned of the cumulative impact of recent rate increases. District officials repeatedly said they had examined multiple options and cautioned that deeper immediate cuts would affect programs such as music, extracurriculars and services for students with special needs.

The board’s approval tonight permits the administration to continue work on the budget and present any refinements for the June vote; the board also scheduled further finance‑committee discussion and public updates before the final vote.