Shenandoah Valley proposed budget includes tax increase
SHENANDOAH – The Shenandoah Valley School Board is considering a tax hike as the district deals with a budget deficit.
At a special meeting Monday night, the board approved its proposed 2026-27 operating budget.
The budget is in the amount of $29,346,817 and includes a property tax increase.
“We’re still looking at a deficit of $391,740,” Business Manager Tony Demalis said in the workshop preceding Monday’s special meeting. He said the budget assumes Governor Josh Shapiro’s proposed budget passes as-is as it pertains to education funding.
Prior to the budget vote, the board approved a resolution to reset the tax rate to 9.8055 mills, down from 60.1750 mills, following the countywide property tax reassessment. The tax rate, district officials said, is “revenue neutral” compared to revenues prior to the reassessment, as required by law.
Demalis said the assessed value of properties in the district increased by six times, necessitating the millage decrease.
For the 2026-27 budget, Demalis budgeted for a tax increase to 10.2865 mills. He said that would bring in about $222,000 in real estate taxes.
For the median assessed home in Shenandoah, it would be an additional $27.42. In the township, it would be $64.98.
Even with the increase, Demalis said there would be a deficit and the district is looking to cut two positions through attrition. A vacant second grade teacher position will not be filled, nor will a soon-to-be-vacated maintenance position.
He said that the tax increase can be reduced for the final budget if the board wishes.
The proposed budget maintains the following taxes:
- 1% real estate/shared
- 1% wage/shared
- $5 per capita per Section 579;
- $5 per capita per Section 511;
- $5 local services tax;
- 5% upon gross of any person/entity engaging in culm processing business;
- $5 per ton ash disposal per any co-generation facility, person, or persons/entity;
- $50 occupation assessment as per Section 579.
The board approved the proposed budget by a 6-1 vote. Karen Kayes voted no. Anita Monahan and Helene Creasy were not present.
They will need to formally adopt the budget at a later meeting.
In other business, the board voted to hire Kya Miranda as an elementary teacher at a salary of $49,420 for the 2026-27 school year.
They also approved the dissolution of the Schuylkill County Land Bank which is being absorbed into the Schuylkill County Redevelopment Authority.
The Shenandoah Sentinel was the ONLY local news source at this meeting. If you find value in our reporting and in knowing what YOUR local elected leaders are doing, PLEASE consider contributing to our efforts via Patreon or Buy Me A Coffee.
About Author
