Public raises tax concerns as McKeesport board weighs $50M-plus high school renovation
May 15, 2026 | McKeesport Area SD, School Districts, Pennsylvania
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McKeesport Area School District board members on April 14 heard public concern that large-scale renovations to the high school could require significant tax increases as the district evaluates design options and financing.
Resident Josh Lefkowitz told the board his "back of the envelope" estimate was that a $50,000,000 minimum project could translate into roughly a 25% increase in school taxes, about "5 and a half mills," and urged the board to explore alternatives to relying solely on higher local taxes. "That's a lot for a lot of people," he said.
Board members and staff responded that the design team (Draw Collective) has presented preliminary options and will return with a final presentation and refined cost estimates in June. The board also said it will host an underwriter next month to outline financing choices, and that staff are exploring grant funding and other ways to reduce the local tax burden.
The district's business manager estimated the district's fund balance at about $25,000,000, with roughly $8,000,000 to $9,000,000 in unassigned funds, and described the state's millage index mechanism that allows modest increases without a public vote; any increase beyond that ceiling would require voter approval. Board members emphasized they want to minimize the impact on taxpayers and will seek creative financing and grant support, including a facility-improvement grant application for up to $5,000,000.
Board members also discussed staging and scope options intended to avoid wholesale replacement where usable systems can be preserved. The board said it will hold additional public engagement — including design updates and town-hall–style presentations — as options and costs are refined.
Next steps: the architect will return with narrowed options and budget figures in June, and the underwriter will present financing scenarios at a board meeting next month. No final project decisions or tax increases were approved at the April 14 meeting.
Resident Josh Lefkowitz told the board his "back of the envelope" estimate was that a $50,000,000 minimum project could translate into roughly a 25% increase in school taxes, about "5 and a half mills," and urged the board to explore alternatives to relying solely on higher local taxes. "That's a lot for a lot of people," he said.
Board members and staff responded that the design team (Draw Collective) has presented preliminary options and will return with a final presentation and refined cost estimates in June. The board also said it will host an underwriter next month to outline financing choices, and that staff are exploring grant funding and other ways to reduce the local tax burden.
The district's business manager estimated the district's fund balance at about $25,000,000, with roughly $8,000,000 to $9,000,000 in unassigned funds, and described the state's millage index mechanism that allows modest increases without a public vote; any increase beyond that ceiling would require voter approval. Board members emphasized they want to minimize the impact on taxpayers and will seek creative financing and grant support, including a facility-improvement grant application for up to $5,000,000.
Board members also discussed staging and scope options intended to avoid wholesale replacement where usable systems can be preserved. The board said it will hold additional public engagement — including design updates and town-hall–style presentations — as options and costs are refined.
Next steps: the architect will return with narrowed options and budget figures in June, and the underwriter will present financing scenarios at a board meeting next month. No final project decisions or tax increases were approved at the April 14 meeting.
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