As Seneca Valley once again considers a tax increase for the fourth year in a row, it’s time to ask: are yearly tax increases becoming the new normal — and where does it end?

School board meetings on the proposed budget and tax increase will be held Monday and June 8, or email schoolboard@svsd.net.

Across our region and country, major employers are cutting jobs. Amazon has reduced more than 16,000 positions, and UPS plans up to 30,000 cuts — industries that directly impact Western Pennsylvania families. When jobs are lost, incomes fall, and so does the tax base that supports our schools.

At the same time, Seneca Valley has taken on nearly $200 million in debt tied to large-scale renovations, with roughly $20 million in annual debt service. These were choices — long-term financial commitments — made by the board.

Now taxpayers are being asked to pay more while also facing rising costs for utilities, insurance and everyday living.

You can’t have it both ways. Either we are truly struggling and need another tax increase, or we are maintaining high spending while sitting on surplus funds. Both cannot be true.

Before asking for more, the district must demonstrate disciplined spending, clear priorities and a plan grounded in economic reality.

An informed community is essential. A present community is powerful.

Julie Jones, RN,

Zelienople