The Panther Valley School Board on Wednesday approved a $41 million budget with a slight tax increase for the 2025-26 school year.

The spending plan calls for a 1.29 mill increase for property owners in Carbon County and 1.45 mills in Schuylkill County.

The tax increase means about an additional $28 a year for a property with an average assessed value, which is $22,000 in Carbon County and $17,020 in Schuylkill County.

The millage rate will go to 66.44 mills in Carbon County and 64.21 mills in Schuylkill County. Each mill generates $160,779.

Outgoing Business Manager Jesse Walck last month said that the tax increase was needed to offset Homestead Act exemptions and keep district revenues level.

Nearly 2,670 families in the district receive the Homestead Exemption, which provides a reduction in their property taxes. The board also approved the Homestead calculations for 2025-26.

Walck presented a balanced budget with expenditures and revenues of $40,970,859, and an approximate $8 million fund balance at the end of the fiscal year, which is June 30.

The board passed the budget on a 5-3 vote, with directors Renee DeMelfi, Pat Leonzi and Anthony DeMarco voting no.

The board also approved committing $5 million of the fund balance for “future budgetary use due to a projected deficit in the coming fiscal years ($750,000), PSERS retirement fund liability ($3,750,000), and uncompensated absences, ($500,000).”

There was no discussion on budget motions, but the board members and administrators shared thanks and other kind words for Walck, who is leaving the district for another position in the Allentown School District.

“I want to thank Jesse for all his hard work with us over the last five years,” Superintendent Dave McAndrew said.

McAndrew, who joined the district at the same time as Walck, pointed out that the district had very little in its fund balance when they arrived.

Walck was able to grow that fund balance while still allowing the district to do needed upgrades in its buildings, facilities, curriculum, as well as hire teachers and guidance counselors, he said.

“I attribute it to all your hard work, and the board’s hard work, I really do,” McAndrew said. “Thank you for everything you’ve did. You’ve been great to work with. You will be missed.”

Board members and solicitor Bob Yurchak echoed McAndrew’s words, wishing Walck well in his future endeavors.

New Business Manager Greg Gauronsky also attended Wednesday’s board meeting. A Panther Valley graduate, he has been working with Walck for about two weeks.