Huntingdon School Board Approves $15.7 Million Budget

HUNTINGDON (July 22) — The Huntingdon Special School District (HSSD) Board of Education approved a $15.7 million budget for the 2026-27 fiscal year following a work session on Wednesday. 

In what Director of Schools Dr. Jonathan Kee called the district's "largest jump yet," the budget includes a three-percent raise for non-certified staff and a $2,500 increase to the certified staff salary schedule.

Dr. Kee said he wanted the salaries to be competitive not only with other schools in the county but with other surrounding districts.

The total balanced budget is $15,754,075, an increase of $490,930 from the previous year, driven largely by rising salary and benefit costs. The spending plan includes $13,415,213 for the General Purpose Fund and $829,218 for the Cafeteria Fund. Debt services decreased by $45,650, while federal projects are allocated $816,019. Local maintenance of effort remains unchanged at $2,552,633.

Under the new budget, all students will receive free admission to regular season home athletic events—a move costing the district $45,000. For non-students, admission for high school football and basketball games is set at $7, with other high school events at $5. Middle school football and basketball games are $6, while other middle school events are $5.

Huntingdon residents will see no change in the property tax rate, which remains at $0.7022 per $100 of assessed value. 

"For 25 years, we have not had to increase taxes," said Board Chairman Dr. Lee Carter. He commended the district's leadership for maintaining the lowest tax rate in Carroll County.

Dr. Kee cautioned the board regarding the district's future financial landscape.

"We are running a very tight budget," Dr. Kee said. "There are things we need to be aware of." 

He cited concerns including rising health insurance and operational costs, the lack of state pre-K funding, and a standstill in federal allocations. Additionally, Dr. Kee noted that the district faces funding uncertainties with a new governor taking office next year and ongoing debates surrounding statewide virtual school funding. HSSD also has two years remaining on the Carroll County local funding contract with other county schools.

The 2026-27 school year begins Tuesday, August 4 with a half day.