The School District of Lancaster’s board of directors will vote on a preliminary budget for the 2020-2021 school year at its meeting on January 21. A draft of that budget is now available for public inspection. The Preliminary Budget Proposal may be amended before adoption.
View the 2020-2021 Preliminary Budget
Pursuant to Act 1, the Pennsylvania Department of Education publishes an index percentage applicable to the School District. The School District real estate tax increase for the next fiscal year is limited to the index percentage unless the proposed tax rate is approved by voters pursuant to a referendum or the School District qualifies for an Act 1 exception. As a result of special circumstances covered by an Act 1 referendum exception, a tax rate percentage increase above the index might be required to balance the School District budget for the next fiscal year. The tax to be levied is required to provide a quality education program as reflected in the School District Preliminary Budget.
The School District intends to seek approval from the Pennsylvania Department of Education as required by Act 1 for an exception allowing increase of the real estate tax as reflected in the School District Preliminary Budget. On written request by any School District resident or taxpayer, the School District will provide a copy of the referendum exception application.
The school board will formally adopt a budget in June.