JEFFERSON TWP — Knoch School District’s board is trying to figure out whether it can keep its taxes flat for the ninth year in a row, a consistent financial state other local districts have not been afforded.

Certain exact dollar figures were not available for its projected expenditure totals when presented at the board’s Wednesday, April 8, meeting. But district officials indicated they want to keep the budget balanced in 2026-27.

“We’ll have to look at the data, look at what we can expect, and give us a picture for next year,” business manager Jamie Van Lenten said. “And then we’ll go back and look at some of those capital projects, and make sure those still fit … And after that, we’ll make sure we balance our budget, and we’ll present the proposed final budget in May.”

Last year, Knoch’s board discussed a potential tax increase of 3.771 mills for 2025-26. However, it ultimately decided it would not raise the millage rate. It dipped into its existing reserve funds to cover a smaller budget deficit.

For 2026-27, the district is projecting just over $39.7 million in budget revenue, a roughly 1% increase from the current school year.

It was suggested at the board’s March meeting that while revenue remains stable, expenditure growth may outpace revenue trends. Van Lenten did say though the projections are “conservative” and “trend-based.”

According to the expenditures presentation Wednesday night, salaries and benefits make up about 67% of projected expenditures, slightly lower than last year. Health care costs are projected to increase 6.46%.

Budget considerations are occurring as the teachers contract is reportedly still up in the air due to disputed language over dental and vision benefits.

“Non-salary expenditures” are projected to increase 5.57% to $13.17 million. This includes purchased services and purchased property services by the district, supplies, property costs and other additional uses trending in different directions.

The district’s next steps include finalizing salaries and benefits, updating projections, capital funding project decisions, capital reserve allocations and looking to balance the overall budget, according to the presentation.

Board president Donna Eakin said it is too early to tell what the exact projected expenditures total or proposed millage rate will be, and that the board and district are still working to figure them out. The board will be presented a proposed final budget at its May meeting, and will give a final vote in June after the budget is publicly displayed for 30 days.

“I think we’re still in discussion, Jamie (Van Lenten) is not at that point yet. We’re always hoping for a balanced budget,” Eakin said.

Knoch has managed to not increase its millage rates for the past eight years, keeping it flat at 94.275 mills since 2018. A mill is equal to $1 for every $1,000 of a property’s assessed value.