Tuesday night, the River Valley School Board approved the 2025-26 budget and while it balances out, it includes one of the highest tax increases in district history.
Taxes will go up by the state-mandated maximum of 5.4% for both Indiana and Westmoreland County residents. The budget equals out to over $37.2 million. Superintendent Philip Martell said that the district was dealing with a deficit in the budget’s preliminary stages, but he talks about how the administration was able to bring the budget into balance.
The vote was 6-3 with Beverly Caranese, Jessica Clawson and Melanie Pantalone voted against the spending plan. Pantalone had her own idea for closing the spending gap, which is to close the STEAM academy.
The board also made several hires for the next school year, including part time support staff, a school psychologist, and two creative productions co-teachers.
