Planned construction, personnel costs and a rise in health insurance premiums have contributed to a 5.32-mill increase unanimously approved by school board directors Monday, June 10 as part of Seneca Valley School District’s final 2024-25 budget.

In line with the approved budget, the millage rate will climb from 133 to 138.32 mills, which equates to an annual increase of $138 for the average homeowner. Homestead and farmstead property owners approved by the state will receive a $150.23 property tax reduction, which has grown by $25.21 since last year.

Salaries and benefits make up 73.4% of operating district expenditures numbering $170.2 million, while revenues are projected at $168.2 million. The district is also projecting increases to health insurance rates by 12.68% next year. Together with new staff positions, health care costs will cost nearly $2.3 million. Transportation costs are also anticipated to increase by about $569,000, according to the district.

Local tax revenue streams represent the largest portion of revenue, the district stated.

The budget has been publicly available since May 7.

School board directors Monday also approved an application for a $905,106 Public School Facility Improvement Grant through the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development to fund the roof replacement project at Connoquenessing Valley Elementary School. The grant requires a 25% match from the district.

Reroofing of the elementary school is considered routine maintenance because of the age and condition of the roof and tile, the district previously stated.

Board directors also approved an application for a $18,862 grant that would be used to purchase supplies to create a school garden at Haine Middle School.