JACKSON TWP — During Monday’s work session meeting, Seneca Valley administrators presented school board members with a proposed general fund budget for 2026-2027 of $187,031,763.

The budget would require a proposed real estate tax millage increase of 5.03 mills, setting the total millage rate at 148.88 mills, a 3.5% increase. A mill is equal to $1 for every $1,000 of a property’s assessed value.

The increase amounts to an estimated $131 for a property assessed the median value for the area.

Under the proposal, operating expenditures would be set at $187 million. Expected revenue for 2026-27 is $183.8 million. The district said it plans to use $3.23 million from its existing fund balance to cover the gap.

Compared with 2025-2026, the proposed budget adds $7,164,078 to operating expenditures. Projected revenue is estimated at an additional $6,218,729 million.

Eric DiTullio, board president, said 60% of the proposed millage increase is the result of higher medical costs — a 12.46% increase in the healthcare premium rates — which is projected to add $2.1 million to the budget.

“All districts are seeing that same type of an increase,” said DiTullio. “So this is something we need to address that wasn’t part of the normal budgeting process.”

The district had to deal with an increase in healthcare premium rates while planning the 2025-2026 budget as well, increasing personnel spending by $2.4 million.

As for updates on the state budget, DiTullio said, “Budget talks are progress, but there’s been no agreement that’s been reached.”

He said the state budget could be passed by June 30, but it is not certain.

The board plans to vote on the proposed budget at its June 8 meeting.