Wednesday night, the Penns Manor School Board approved the 2026-27 tentative budget that includes a 4.8% tax increase.
While the tax increase will generate $199,965 in additional revenue, the deficit remains around $724,000. As part of the budget, they will not fill some positions where staff retired, but they will also furlough an elementary art teacher. The rest of the deficit will be filled using the district’s fund balance.
Superintendent Daren Johnston did offer more details on an incentive program targeting students attending cyber or charter schools outside the district. The program will give the families $1000 if their child returns to either in-person or cyber education in Penns Manor for the school year. Johnston said the $1000 incentive will help save the district thousands.
The budget will go up for final approval next month.
The board also approved a naming rights and funding agreement that will help the district purchase new flooring and equipment for the district’s fitness center. In return, the district will re-name the room the Frank Petro Athletic Fitness Center.
