CLAYSBURG — Claysburg-Kimmel School Board members took a closer look at their 2026-27 preliminary budget on Wednesday night, where most members were tolerable to raising taxes to the Act 1 Index and hiring a new secondary math teacher.

In reference to a tax increase, board President Jeremy Knott said, “we all bear the burden of this as well, so we’re not exempt from it.”

The board is currently trying to balance a $1.4 million deficit, per preliminary figures presented at last week’s budget meeting.

Business manager Dena Burket presented preliminary expenditures of $17.1 million and revenue of $15.7 million to the board.

During Wednesday’s budget discussion, members considered some expenses line by line, questioning various factors, including flooring renovations and sports uniforms.

“Unless we eliminate an entire department or something of the sort, it’s not changing the big picture,” Knott said, adding that he believed it would be reasonable to eliminate some expenditures.

From a revenue standpoint, however, he said it’s the board’s biggest decision to evaluate from where their funds will pour in.

After an hourslong discussion, Knott asked for direction concerning a tax increase.

He suggested raising taxes to the Act 1 limit of 5.1%, which will bring about $250,000 into the district.

Board members Roger Knisely and Mandi Daughtery also backed a full increase.

“I think you’re kicking the can down the road if you don’t take it to the full,” Knisely said.

A half or whole increase were also viable options for board members Heidi Kennedy and Tony Soler.

“I’m perfectly comfortable with half. If we need to go full, that’s fine,” Soler said.

Board member Joseph Musselman said he also was in favor of staying consistent, referencing last year’s increase to half the index.

“If we need to raise the tax to invest in our kids, and invest in their math abilities, I’m okay with that,” he said.

In an effort to find a balance, board member Danny Potter suggested a 2% or 3% increase to make it bearable for the community.

He suggested aiming for a tax increase in the right ballpark to maintain a sufficient balance, as one year the district would take a tax break but the next they would vote for a full tax increase.

“But you have to think the budget isn’t 100% either,” he said, adding that the board doesn’t know the exact numbers for the 2026-27 school year.

Board member Mona Eckley said she was unsure about raising taxes.

“I know we need money, but I know that there are a lot of people that are hurting,” she said.

Hiring another math teacher

Board members also voiced their opinions on hiring another secondary math teacher for the high school.

According to Brannan Raptosh, assistant to the superintendent, the high school lost a secondary math teacher a few years prior. Since then, they’ve had a vacant position.

During the discussion, Kennedy said the district might have to cut some extra expenditures to manage next year.

“We may be in a position financially that we just can’t,” Kennedy said. “We may have to forgo some of those things that we’d like to do just for sheer cost.”

Eckley and Potter both said they recognize the need for another math teacher, but the district may have to get creative when filling that position, such as splitting the position between already employed instructors.

“Our enrollment is going down, and our expenses are going up, and we have to start cutting someplace,” Eckley said.

Soler and Musselman both said they were comfortable with hiring the math teacher if the position is needed in the district.

“You’re the professionals with what you need,” Soler said.

On the other hand, Knisley said it would be a big mistake on the district’s behalf not to hire an additional math teacher, as “these kids got to learn.”

Budget discussions are slated to continue into next week’s meeting scheduled for 7 p.m. April 22.

All board members except Amy Claar-Gill were present at Wednesday’s meeting.

Mirror Staff Writer Colette Costlow is at 814-946-7414.