Wissahickon School Board approves preliminary budget with proposed tax increase above state limit
The Wissahickon School District Board of School Directors has approved a proposed preliminary budget for the 2026–27 school year that includes a real estate tax increase exceeding the state’s standard limit.
The preliminary budget was adopted during a special virtual public meeting held on Feb. 18, 2026, beginning the annual budget review process required under Pennsylvania law.
Seven members of the board votes yes, while two were absent.
Under Pennsylvania’s Act 1 Index, school districts are generally limited in how much they can raise property taxes each year without voter approval. For the upcoming budget cycle, the Pennsylvania Department of Education set the Act 1 Index at 3.5%.
District officials, however, are proposing a 5.1% tax increase, which is approximately 1.6% above the state limit. The increase is permitted through qualifying Act 1 referendum exceptions, which allow districts to exceed the index under certain financial circumstances, such as rising mandated costs.
“This is different than our process in the past,” President Amy Ginsburg said. “We typically don’t seek exceptions.”
Wissahickon will apply for the increase through a special education exception.
School leaders said the proposed increase is intended to help balance the district’s budget for the upcoming fiscal year. Approval of the preliminary budget does not finalize spending or tax rates, but allows the district to continue refining financial plans ahead of final budget adoption later this year.
“This looks at two years prior to what you’ve spent the last year, and then compares them,” Tim Bricker said. “If your spending exceeds the Act I Index and above it, the state gives you the ability to apply for an exception so that you can cover the increase costs.”
Currently, the school is facing a deficit of about $1.4 million. Officials said they will continue to explore some cuts to expenses, and there is “a lot of work ahead.”
The preliminary budget process is a required step that gives residents an opportunity to review district finances and understand potential tax impacts before a final vote is scheduled.
Additional budget discussions and updates are expected to take place at upcoming Wissahickon School Board meetings as officials work toward adoption of a final 2026–27 spending plan.
Continued discussions on the budget will take place at Wissahickon School District Finance Committee meetings, which are scheduled scheduled for March 10, April 13, and May 11, 2026.
Final adoption is expected to take place in May or June, according to school officials.
2026-2027 District Budget Meetings
The community is invited to attend a series of budget meetings as part of the 2026-2027 budget planning. The Wissahickon Board of School Directors will meet on the following dates and times.
March 10 – Finance Committee Meeting
April 13 – Finance Committee Meeting
April 27 – Board Work Session – Approve Proposed Final Budget
May 11 – Finance Committee Meeting
June 1 – Board Voting Session – Approve Final Budget
