NORRISTOWN — Education officials fear a judge’s decision ordering a suburban Philadelphia school district to revoke its tax hike could lead to lawsuits around Pennsylvania challenging other school districts’ tax increases.

“I’ve never heard of this happening before ... a judge substituting his/her judgment of financial needs of the district in place of locally elected school board members,” said Jim Buckheit, executive director of the Pennsylvania Association of School Administrators.

He said he anticipates lawsuits against other districts with healthy fund balances that raise taxes above the maximum amount allowed by law.

On Monday, a Montgomery County judge ordered the Lower Merion School District to revoke its latest tax increase, saying the district misled taxpayers by projecting large budget deficits when it was socking away millions.

Common Pleas Judge Joseph Smyth said in his decision that the district could increase taxes for 2016-17 but by no more than 2.4 percent.

He said he would “leave for another day” the question of refunds and credits.

The district said Tuesday that it will appeal the decision.