Mars School Board Approves $65.4 Million Budget with Tax Increase

In a 5-3 vote on June 12, the Mars Area School Board approved a $65.4 million budget for the 2025–2026 school year, which includes a 1.0 mill property tax increase.

The decision raises the district’s real estate tax rate from 109.0 to 110.0 mills. For the average home with a median assessed value of $28,980, the change amounts to an additional $28.98 per year in property taxes. Board members John Kennedy, Justin Miller, and Aaron Rose voted against the budget, while Anthony Depretis was absent. According to Debbie Brandstetter, the district’s business manager, the increase will generate an estimated $313,000 in additional revenue. Of that, $300,000 will be transferred to the Capital Projects Fund/Debt Service to help fund the planned expansion of Mars Area Elementary School. Real estate taxes continue to be the district’s largest revenue source, accounting for 53 percent ($33.88 million) of total revenue. The 2025–2026 budget reflects a 4.3 percent increase over the previous year’s $62.7 million budget and carries a projected deficit of $1.34 million, which will be offset using the district’s fund balance.

How the Money Will Be Spent

Five categories make up nearly 96 percent of total expenditures: – Salaries: $27.2 million – Employee Benefits: $18.4 million – Purchased Services: $7.0 million – Debt Service: $6.7 million – Supplies: $3.3 million The budget allows the district to maintain all current educational programs and staffing. It includes the replacement of two retiring secondary teachers (art and science) and several support positions, including a secretary, two custodians, and a business office administrator. A new district-level security director will also be hired.

Revenue Outlook: Local Growth Continues

The 2025–2026 revenue budget totals $64 million, an increase of $2.23 million over last year. Local revenue sources will contribute approximately $46.8 million, with $16.8 million from the state and just under $300,000 from federal sources. Of the $949,515 increase in real estate tax revenue, about two-thirds is attributed to rising property assessment values within the district. Earned income tax revenue is also projected to rise by 4 percent, adding another $381,253. State revenues are expected to grow by nearly $377,000, including an increase in the basic education subsidy and higher reimbursements for retirement contributions and property tax relief. The approved budget is available for public review at www.marsk12.org. Residents can submit questions or comments to the school board via email at masdboard@marsk12.org or attend any public board meeting.