At a special meeting on June 26, the Centennial School Board failed to pass a proposed $156.4 million budget for the 2025-2026 school year. The proposed budget included a 4% tax increase that would raise the tax bill for the average property in the district by $144. Outgoing Superintendent Dr. Dana Bedden explained the ramifications of not passing the budget by June 30 as outlined in Act 14, Section 318, of the Pennsylvania General Code. The district will be unable to spend money after June 30, including on payroll; the district will be in noncompliance, which could bring scrutiny from the auditor general; and it could impact the district’s debt, as well as bring a court order and removal of board members for failure to organize or neglect of duty. Bedden said he consulted with the solicitor and outside counsel and both recommended that the board pass the budget in order to avoid the possible repercussions. Read more about the June 26 school board meeting in the Bucks County Herald. Centennial School District has posted information about a special meeting to be held on July 2.
Source: Bucks County Herald; 6/26/2025