Southern York County board adopts 2026–27 budget, keeps tax rate flat and approves K–6 cursive program

The Southern York County School District Board of Education adopted its 2026–27 general fund budget at its May 21 meeting, while voting to keep the district’s property tax rate unchanged for the coming year.

The vote followed extended discussion about the district’s finances, enrollment declines and how to balance three strategies administrators and board members described as necessary: continued staffing attrition, targeted budget reductions and, if needed, a future tax increase. A board amendment to raise the levy 2.96% failed on roll call; the main motion to adopt the budget and a 0.00% levy subsequently passed.

Board member William Hall, speaking during the debate, described the choices facing the board as a “three‑legged” approach and said: “If raising taxes is the right thing to do, it’s the right thing to do.” Other directors pushed for clearer, public plans showing what internal cuts and program adjustments would accompany any tax request.

On curriculum, the board approved the district’s recommended K–6 cursive handwriting program from Zaner‑Bloser, accepting the administration’s estimate of about $38,866.80 in one‑time implementation costs and roughly $21,000 in recurring consumable costs per year. District leaders told the board the vendor’s package includes teacher manuals, consumable student journals, alphabet desk strips and a two‑pronged professional development plan (an in‑person rollout and on‑demand webinars). The administration said the program was selected after vetting eight vendors and a 20‑member staff committee recommended Zaner‑Bloser for alignment with the district’s foundational literacy routines and state requirements.

The board also approved several other curriculum purchases and adoptions included in the budget packet, including K–2 reading resources and multiple textbook and novel adoptions. Administrators emphasized the district must fund curriculum changes and professional learning out of the approved 2026–27 budget.

Looking ahead, facilities leaders briefed the board on a multi‑year deferred‑maintenance plan that identifies more than $20 million in district needs. The district asked board authorization to proceed with design work on the highest‑risk projects—priority HVAC, electrical and life‑safety replacements at Shrewsbury Elementary—so construction can be bid to begin as early as summer 2027 if the board decides to proceed with building work.

The board said it will continue to weigh fiscal steps, including program adjustments and potential future revenue measures, while monitoring enrollment and costs throughout the 2026–27 school year.