The Athens Area School District is facing a budget deficit as it moves forward with its 2025-26 school budget.
The proposed budget includes a 5.8 percent property tax increase, which is the maximum allowed under the state’s Act 1 index without requiring voter approval. The 3.14 mill increase would mean an additional $310 in taxes for a home valued at just under $99,000.
Even with the tax increase, the proposed budget features over $45 million dollars in revenue and over $47 million in expenditures, leaving a $2.7 million dollar deficit. That will be covered by using PSERS and Health Care assigned fund balances.
According to the Bradford Sentinel, the initial project deficit was $4.3 million when work on the budget began. Retired Towanda Area School District Business Manager Doreen Secor helped Athens with the budget as the school district is currently without a full-time business manager.
The proposed budget is available for public review at the district office on Canal Street or on the school district’s website.
A final budget vote is scheduled for June 17.
