03-06-2025
SCASD Board of Directors Approves 2025-2026 budget with tax hike, staff additions
STATE COLLEGE, Pa. (WTAJ) — Property taxes are going up for State College Area School District residents after the school board approved its 2025-2026 budget on Monday night, aiming to meet rising cost and add key staff positions.
The $211.5 million final budget includes a 4% property tax increase, raising the district's millage rate by 2.0369 mills to 52.9597. For a home with the median assessed value of $74,208, that's an average increase of $147 per year.
The tax hike is expected to generate most of the district's $6.6 million increase in local revenue, with 79% of total funding coming from local sources. Total revenue is projected at $207.5 million, while expenses are up 3% from last year.
The district's biggest spending areas remain salaries and benefits, which make up about 74% of the budget. Mandatory contributions to the Pennsylvania School Employees Retirement System are up $2.1 million from the previous year, while charter school costs now account for $7.1 million, 3% of the overall budget.
The board approved several key personnel additions to address growing needs. These include a special education teacher, business education teacher for a new personal finance course, school psychologist, athletics department manager, special education clerk, and a physical plant custodian.
New recurring costs are also impacting the budget, including higher rates for substitutes, utilities, extracurricular security, and transportation. Cost-saving benefits from the district's Power Purchase Agreement will not impact the current budget cycle.
The board also accepted the resignation of member Dan Kolbe, who is relocating to Chicago. Applications for his seat will open later this month, and a new board member will be selected in early July to serve until the November municipal election.
Other board approvals included new textbooks, several employee handbooks, a suicide prevention plan, and a partnership with UPMC for an intensive outpatient program.
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