Allentown School District presents balanced budget with no tax increases

The Allentown School District is celebrating a significant achievement: a balanced budget for the upcoming year with no tax increases for homeowners. During the ASD Budget Forum held on May 15, 2025, Superintendent Dr. Burke highlighted the district's fortunate financial position compared to many others across the nation facing severe budget cuts.

Dr. Burke credited local legislators for their advocacy, which has resulted in increased funding for the district. "We are the beneficiaries of a lot of support from our legislatures," he stated, emphasizing that approximately 67% of the district's revenue comes from state sources. This support has allowed Allentown to stabilize its financial situation and avoid raising local taxes, a challenge many districts are currently grappling with.

The budget for the upcoming year is projected at around $481 million, with funding coming from a mix of local, state, and federal sources. Notably, the district has seen a significant increase in state subsidies, particularly through the Ready to Learn grant, which aims to ensure equitable funding for districts like Allentown.

The forum also addressed concerns about potential future cuts to federal funding, with district officials expressing cautious optimism about maintaining current levels. "There has been a lot of discussion about cutting some of our federal resources nationwide," said Mr. Cuff, the district's CFO, highlighting the uncertainty surrounding federal allocations.

In addition to financial discussions, the meeting recognized the contributions of teachers and staff, reinforcing the community's commitment to education. As the district prepares for the next academic year, the focus remains on maintaining financial stability while continuing to advocate for adequate funding to support all students.