Property owners in the Carlynton School District will pay 4.4% more in taxes next school year.
The school board on Tuesday approved its $39.75 million budget for next school year, which hikes the millage rate to 29.7625.
Property owners with a home at Carlynton’s median assessed value of $110,400 will pay about $138 more, to $3,285. Homeowners who qualify for the state’s homestead exemption will see about a $312 reduction to their bill.
Carlynton serves students in Carnegie, Crafton and Rosslyn Farms.
District officials say the tax increase was necessary because of inflation, cost increases to legally mandated programs, and to maintain educational programs and safety needs.
“This budget allows us to continue supporting our outstanding academic programs, extracurricular activities and student services,” said Superintendent John Kreider. “It reflects our commitment to providing a safe and secure environment, a world-class education, opportunities for growth in academics, athletics and the arts, and fiscal integrity on behalf of our community.”
The millage increase will generate about $871,000 in additional revenue for the district.
About 95% of expenditures, totaling $37.7 million, covers salaries and benefits, retirement contributions, contracted services and debt obligations. The remaining $2 million of expenditures includes costs for classroom supplies, instructional software and other student learning supports.
There are no cuts in the budget. District officials say the budget supports: a renovation project at Carnegie Elementary, safety and security measures, additional teaching positions for English Language Learners and students with disabilities, maintenance projects at the junior-senior high school, expanded STEAM programming districtwide and three additional College in the High School courses where students can earn college credit at Carlynton.