The Whitehall-Coplay School Board held its committee meetings April 13, and board members discussed the proposed 2026-27 budget.

During the finance part of the meeting, officials said the numbers are still just a proposal and are not final. However, there are concerns about where the district is heading with money.

“I’m not one for alarm bells, but it’s alarm bell time for our district,” board Treasurer George Williams said. “We are in a situation where, if we don’t really start looking at our expenses, we’re always looking at expenses, but finding creative ways to make money and keep up with these taxes … we’re already below $9 million in our fund balance.”

Williams also said each 1% tax increase brings in about $500,000 for the district. He said it is important for people to understand where things stand.

“It’s super important that you come out of this meeting understanding where we’re at and where this budget is heading,” he said.

Business Manager Michael Malay went over the budget, starting with the 2026-27 Act 1 index, which is 4.7%. This sets the limit for how much the district can raise taxes without voter approval, unless they qualify for exceptions.

He also explained what is causing costs to go up, including salaries, health care, special education, charter school costs, utilities, transportation and about $1.5 million for new buses.

The district is proposing a 4.7% property tax increase, which matches the limit. Even with that, there is reportedly still a multi-million-dollar gap.

The total budget is about $110.7 million. There was a $9.2 million gap at first, but after changes, the gap is now about $6 million.

Revenue is expected to be about $101.5 million, up $2.8 million from last year. Local money is about $62 million, up $63,000. State money is about $38 million, up $2.8 million. Federal money is about $1.5 million, up $36,000.

Instruction costs are also going up, now about $70 million, which is a $7 million increase.

The board will continue to review options regarding the budget. The proposed final budget will be presented April 27. Another meeting is set for May 11, and the final vote is scheduled for June 8.