At its June 16 meeting, the Berwick Area School Board unanimously approved the 2025–26 budget, which includes a 2.5% property tax increase. The modest increase helps the district keep pace with rising costs while continuing to prioritize educational quality, student opportunity, and long-term financial health. The $56,977,348 budget reflects a 2.58% increase over last year's spending plan, with the majority of the additional expenses directed toward instructional programming. For instance, costs for Regular Programs have risen by $947,814, from $22.68 million to $23.62 million, while Special Programs saw an increase of $1,286,745, moving from $8.62 million to $9.90 million. Healthcare costs including dental, vision and medical, rose $410,000. “This budget reflects a commitment to fiscal responsibility and educational excellence,” said Board President Jared Yost. “Even with ongoing cost pressures, our financial position remains stable, and our focus continues to be on improving outcomes for every student.”
By choosing a more conservative budgeting strategy, the district opted not to take the full 5.5% tax increase allowed under the Act 1 Index. Instead, Berwick Area School District taxpayers will see more moderate increases: a 2.64% hike for residents in Columbia County and a 1.66% rise for those in Luzerne County. For properties assessed by each county at the median value, this translates to a tax increase of approximately $30.45 in Columbia County and $39.28 in Luzerne County.
From 2012 to 2023, the district’s TOTAL tax increase was between 10% to 13%, while the Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose by 32% to 38% over the same period, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics - highlighting the challenge of keeping up with inflation while limiting tax burdens.
Strong Financial Standing
Despite years of financial pressure and deficits from 2015 to 2022, the district has now achieved three consecutive balanced budgets. The general fund balance stands at $10 million, with an additional $6 million in capital reserves to address necessary facility improvements.
Expense Pressures and Limited Revenue Control
The district continues to manage sharp increases in mandated and uncontrollable costs – PSERS, healthcare, Special Education, and charter school tuition, etc. It’s important to note that local property taxes- equaling less than 40% of the total budget - are one of the only revenue sources the district directly controls. Grants, which provide less than 5%, are often restricted in use. The remainder of revenue is state and federal funding tied to specific mandates.
AWS and the 2025–26 Budget
The district acknowledges the excitement surrounding Amazon Web Services’ development in Salem Township, which falls within the Berwick Area School District. AWS is currently the third-largest taxpayer in the district. However, no new tax revenue from the project is included in this year’s budget, as those funds are expected in future years after construction milestones and agreements are finalized.
A Call for Engagement
“We’re proud of the progress we’ve made, but the work continues,” Yost added. “We encourage the community to stay engaged, ask questions, and be part of the long-term conversation about how to best serve Berwick’s students and future.”
Contact:
Paul Caputo, Acting Superintendent
pcaputo@berwicksd.org
Sources:
U.S. Census Bureau, 2022 American Community Survey
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Consumer Price Index Data