Jeannette City SD board approves $26.44 million preliminary budget with $198,000 projected deficit, no tax increase

Jeannette City SD Superintendent Mr. Jones told the board that the district is proposing a $26,441,686 preliminary budget for the 2026–27 fiscal year, with a projected deficit of about $198,000 and no planned millage (tax) increase. "I am pleased to share that we are not looking at a millage increase," Mr. Jones said, describing revenue sources and a breakdown of expenditures, including $1.2 million earmarked for capital improvements.

Mr. Jones said state funding (more than $19 million) is the district's largest revenue source, driven by basic education, special education and retirement reimbursement. He noted federal sources such as Title I, II and IV were finalized the day of the meeting. On expenditures he pointed to salaries, charter tuition and increased costs tied to construction projects at district facilities.

After the presentation the board took a roll-call vote to approve the preliminary budget. The roll call recorded affirmative votes from Timothy Carney, Tim Mortimer, Rachel Ramsey, Marcy Warner, Chris Belville, Robert Kristoff, Susan McFarland and others present; the motion passed. The board's packet and the superintendent's presentation make clear the preliminary budget may only decrease before the final June vote.

The board also took a separate roll-call vote to approve the CWCTC general operating budget for 2026–27, which passed on recorded votes. Several trustees noted career-and-technical co-op placements and job offers at local employers during committee reports prior to the budget vote.

Next steps: the board will return in June to vote on a final budget; Mr. Jones emphasized the preliminary figure can only be reduced before that final approval.