Metro

BELLWOOD — Bellwood-Antis School Board members unanimously approved a projected balanced budget — a first for the district in 11 years — featuring a 2.99% tax increase for the 2026-27 school year.

According to the proposed final budget shared by business manager Greg Gates at Tuesday’s meeting, the district is projecting $22,902,031 in revenue and $22,901,970 in expenditures, leaving a $61 surplus.

The budget was developed with a 2.99% tax increase, a raise of $55 per taxable parcel. The tax increase is about 2.6% lower than last year’s number, however, when the board raised it to the Act 1 Index.

Superintendent Edward G. DiSabato said after the meeting that achieving a balanced budget doesn’t happen in one year, as the district prioritized cost savings and staffing amid rising costs nationwide.

“It reflects a strong, collaborative effort and a commitment to investing in our students, supporting our staff and responsibly positioning Bellwood-Antis for continued success,” he said.

While the surplus could change based on state funding, he said the district is calculating their numbers based on current information coming from Harrisburg.

“We are hopeful that there will be more funding and that the number will increase, but we can make a really positive impact on the reserves,” he said.

Gates presented the proposed budget to the board, detailing that salaries and benefits account for about 71% of their budget this year.

Other factors, such as transportation to the Greater Altoona Career and Technology Center and cyber charter tuition, account for the remaining portion.

He later voiced his gratitude for board and community collaboration that helped the district balance its budget.

During the board vote, Vice President Tom Hammond also said he appreciated the support from the administration, board, faculty and community in balancing a sound budget for more than a decade.

“It’s a testament to the hard work of everyone in this room, but also our neighbors and community members who have pitched in and helped us get to this place,” he said.

The final budget will be officially voted on during the next board meeting slated for 7 p.m. June 9 in the high school cafeteria.

The budget will be available for review at the district offices and online at the district’s website until the June 9 meeting. The district is required by the state to approve its final budget by June 30.

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