Upper Perkiomen board advertises $88.19 million proposed budget that could raise taxes 12.8%

The Upper Perkiomen School District board on Monday authorized the official advertisement and public inspection of a proposed $88,191,297 2026–27 final budget that the finance committee says could produce a worst-case tax increase of 12.8 percent.

The board president told attendees the 12.8 percent figure represents a worst-case scenario and that administrators and finance committee members will continue refining expenditures and revenue projections before the next finance committee meeting on June 8. “First, this represents a worst case scenario at this point in the budget process,” the board president said. “We will continue working diligently to identify every possible area of relief before the budget is finalized.”

The president and administrators said part of the potential increase stems from state-required equalization adjustments across the district's multi-county territory, processed by the state tax equalization board (STEB). Because property values have changed, equalization factors have shifted and can move the distribution of tax burden among municipalities even when a district keeps the same millage. Board members also noted the district has not received final clarity on Pennsylvania state education funding and therefore did not budget for assumed increases.

Board discussion emphasized the need to explain those mechanics to residents. One director pointed to recent press coverage about a district surplus and said the public could find the combination of surplus reporting and a proposed tax increase confusing; directors urged outreach so taxpayers understand how equalization and revenue assumptions affect the millage calculation.

The board voted by voice to approve the motion to advertise the proposed final budget for public inspection (the agenda lists the budget availability through June 18 on the district website and at the education center). The board president said further refinements will continue and that the finance committee will meet again on June 8 to consider adjustments before any final adoption vote.

Next steps: the district will publish the proposed budget and accept public review; finance committee work and additional public education are expected before the board considers final adoption.