Schuylkill Valley board advances budget with .85-mill proposed tax increase after 7-2 vote

After discussion about the district’s recent deficits and rising costs, the Schuylkill Valley School Board voted 7-2 to advance a proposed final general fund budget that includes a 0.85-mill tax increase.

Administration presented three options: a $50,905,730 budget with a 1.00-mill increase, a $50,735,730 budget with a 0.85-mill increase (option B), and a $50,630,730 budget with a 0.75-mill increase. Board members debating priorities cited recent deficits, special-education and cyber costs, and county-level enrollment and cost shifts that affected the district’s finances.

Finance staff said the 0.85-mill option would increase the average homeowner’s annual tax bill by about $127.50 using a $150,000 assessment. Supporters said the measure would help rebuild reserves and avoid repeated shortfalls; opponents favored a smaller increase and urged caution.

The board approved option B by roll call (7–2) and set a special budget meeting for June 8 at 6:30 p.m. to take the final adoption vote after a 30-day public-comment period. Board members said the vote tonight advances the budget for public review and that administration will present final documents at the June meeting.

Provenance: Budget presentation, deliberation and roll-call vote during meeting (SEG 2817–3140).