Fox Chapel Area School District officials voted to cap any property tax increase for next school year at 3.5%, which is the maximum allowed by the state without seeking voter approval through a referendum.
School directors unanimously voted to pass a resolution confirming that pledge Jan. 20.
The current tax rate is 22.0076 mills. A hike to the state maximum would make the rate jump to 22.7778 mills.
The district’s median assessed property value is $233,250.
That property owner would see their tax bill go from $4,808 to $4,988, a $180 increase, should a max tax hike be approved.
Ryan Manzer, the district finance director, said it is too early in the budgeting process to speculate on tax increases.
Next steps include coordinating with department heads, board members and administrators to see what next school year’s needs are, Manzer said.
The goal is to have a preliminary budget in May and a final budget ready in June. State law requires school districts to pass a budget by June 30.
Some property owners could seek tax relief through the Homestead/Farmstead Exclusion. More information about that opportunity is available on the Allegheny County website.
While the resolution sets a cap on tax hikes within the state’s calculated inflation index for the district, it does not require the board to raise taxes at all.
“Passing the Act 1 resolution is a routine step in the annual budget process,” said Eric Hamilton, board member and finance committee chair. “If we don’t pass this resolution, we would have to follow a different timetable for budget preparation, as there would have to be extra time allowed for a potential voter referendum.
“The budget process is progressing as usual. It’s too early to make any predictions about any potential change in tax rates.”
Districts that don’t pass the resolution would have to pass a preliminary budget early and could petition the state Education Department for special exceptions to go beyond the Act 1 index prior to a referendum.
Fox Chapel Area raised taxes 2.3% for this school year, which was below that year’s 4% Act 1 maximum hike.
District officials at the time said the tax hike was needed due in part to a decrease in revenues caused by changes in assessment values and an increase in recurring costs such as student transportation.
“The district remains in a strong financial position overall,” Hamilton said. “This helped us weather last year’s state and federal funding delays. It is also allowing us to continue investing in much-needed facilities improvements, including more efficient lighting and heating systems.”
Hamilton encouraged county leaders to take action.
“Uncertainty about property tax revenue is an ongoing concern, as it is for all districts and municipalities in Allegheny County,” he said. “County Council and the county executive need to take action to fix our broken property assessment process.”
In other business
District officials also presented the proposed 2026-27 school calendar.
The calendar is available for review on the district’s website.
Key dates include: Aug. 25, first day of school; Sept. 21, fall break; Nov. 26-30, Thanksgiving break; March 22-26, spring break; June 2, Kennywood Day; June 4, last day of school; June 6, commencement.
The administration has traditionally introduced the following school year’s calendar in January.
The advance notice helps parents and staffers plan their schedules.
Board members plan to vote on its adoption Feb. 9.
