Pupil aid expected to lower school tax levy

By Jennifer Eisenbart

Editor

Thanks in large part to an increase in state per pupil aid this year, the Burlington Area School District is looking at a decrease in its tax levy.

While general state aid is expected to drop by about $267,000 this year, state per pupil adjustment aid is expected to increase from $492,300 to $814,750.

With declining enrollment and the state allowing no revenue limit increases, the district’s total tax levy is expected to drop from $21.16 million to $21.01 million – a little less than a 1 percent decrease,

The equalized tax rate is expected to drop from $11.04 per $1,000 of property value to $10.96.

All estimates are made using last year’s property values, and include the district offering free lunch and breakfast for students who qualify for the reduced rate, as well as the estimated numbers for the increase in health insurance costs (see related story).

The district also received an exemption from having to raise the price of its full-cost breakfast and lunches, which means no increase in fees for students in those areas.