Penn Hills school board votes not to raise taxes despite $2 million deficit

PENN HILLS, Pa. — The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted millions of people, including our children.

And because of the current economy, one local school district is having to make big decisions that will impact future generations.

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Penn Hills school board members voted Tuesday night not to raise taxes amid the pandemic, despite the toll it’s taken on its budget.

The board president said the district is short $2 million. With seniors on fixed incomes and families unable to afford groceries, the board decided they have to kick the can down the road.

Penn Hills School District has been riddled with financial failures for years. In 2019, a grand jury found years of egregious money mismanagement, including $170 million in debt and poor state oversight.

The board said Harrisburg helped bury the district's finances and needs to dig them out of the hole they're in.

“We didn't cause the mess. The grand jury says they signed off on it. The auditor general says they signed off on it. Let them pay,” said school board member Yusef Thompson Sr.

Some were vocal about the repercussions a financial shortfall could have on those who are innocent and stuck in the middle.

“They're hurting the kids more than anything because now if we have to raise class sizes, they're not getting the education they need,” Thompson said.

The budget will go to the board for a final approval vote on June 29.

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