The Seneca Valley School Board unanimously approved the final 2025-26 general fund budget of $179,867,685 with a 5.53-mill increase at its June 9 action session, a 4 percent tax hike that board members said was necessary to absorb rising healthcare and transportation costs while preparing for potential federal funding cuts.

All nine board members were present for the roll call vote.

Board member Tim Hester addressed public commenters who had spoken against the tax increase, explaining that he spent considerable time reviewing the budget with Business Manager Ms. Kirk. "The Board has cut as much as they can, but there are items that are out of their control," Hester said, citing uncertainty about whether programs like the National School Lunch Program or special education funding would survive federal budget cuts. "If programs for students with special needs are cut from the Federal Budget, the Board wants to be prepared to be able to take care of the students in the District."

Board president Eric DiTullio pointed to a 15-to-20-year financial plan that now must account for a 20 percent increase in transportation costs, a 20 percent increase in medical costs, aging buildings requiring renovation, and projected 10 percent enrollment growth over the next decade.

The meeting opened with an emotional farewell to two retiring administrators. Dr. Matt McKinley and Linda Andreassi drew public comment from three speakers and the attendance of six former school board members, including four past presidents. DiTullio expressed his appreciation for their years of service.

In other financial matters, the board approved general fund bills of $4,036,146.87 and construction fund bills of $852,624.29. Three construction contracts were awarded to E&G Development of New Castle: $234,700 for exterior painting at Haine Elementary, Haine Middle School, and Rowan Elementary; $194,347 for districtwide concrete curb and sidewalk repairs; and $147,743 for exterior improvements to the West Fieldhouse.

The board approved the 2025-26 Homestead and Farmstead Exclusion Resolution and re-enacted Act 511 taxes at existing rates: $10 flat rate occupation tax, 1 percent earned income tax, and 1 percent real estate transfer tax.

A $25,000 naming rights agreement with the Khara Family for the baseball field was approved, payable in ten annual installments through 2035. The one-year renewal with Stepping Stones for extended-day services in elementary schools was approved, along with the Marburger Farm Dairy milk delivery contract.

Athletic ticket prices remain unchanged for 2025-26: $8 for reserved football seating, $6 for adult general admission, and $4 for student pre-sale. An annual athletic pass remains available at $50.

The board approved four policies including a new Policy 705.1 on Control of Hazardous Materials, a revised Policy 626.2 on Conflict of Interest, a revised Policy 237 on Responsible Use of Technology Resources, and the first reading of revised Policy 342 on Jury Duty for Employees.

In student recognition, the district earned its third Best Communities for Music Education designation from the National Association of Music Merchants Foundation. Sixteen art students showcased work at the Butler Art Center, with six earning awards under the guidance of teachers Jason Woolslare and Megan Bonistalli.

The board approved the 2025 graduate list and concurrent enrollment agreements with Robert Morris University, Butler County Community College, and La Roche University for the coming year. The Imagine Learning K-12 agreement was renewed for the district's cyber program, and a band trip to Pigeon Forge, Tennessee was approved for March 2026 at no cost to the district.

Thirty-five teachers were granted tenure. Jessica Scerbo was appointed to an administrative position. Dr. Jared Ramsey was named school physician and Dr. Brian Rosenzweig as school dentist for the coming year.

The meeting adjourned at 7:37 p.m. The first day of school for 2025-26 is August 21.