Norwin projects $4.66 million revenue increase for 2025

Norwin School District is forecasting an increase in revenue of about $4.66 million for the next school year, compared to the current year. This increase is due mostly to an expected rise in state funding of $4.3 million and does not involve raising local taxes. Ryan Kirsch, the district's director of business affairs, shared details with the school board on Monday. The state funding for Norwin is projected to rise from $35.4 million to $39.7 million. Local sources are expected to provide an additional $430,000. Overall, revenue is anticipated to reach $91.2 million, up from $86.5 million. In addition to state and local funding, there has been a $2.9 million increase in property values in North Huntingdon, Irwin, and North Irwin. This change is expected to bring in an extra $273,000. However, there has been less new development in the district this year compared to last. The school board set a resolution in January to limit any real estate tax increase to a maximum of 5.1% based on state guidelines. This would mean an increase of about $2 million in local revenue, with an estimated tax hike of around $105 a year for the average homeowner. While Norwin expects an overall increase in state revenue, it also forecasts a decrease in federal funding by about $104,500. In previous years, the district has faced budget deficits and has taken steps such as reducing expenses or adjusting taxes to balance its budget. The board raised property taxes by 5.83 mills last year, but has generally kept increases between 2 to 3 mills since the 2016-17 school year. A preliminary budget with full revenue and expenditure details will be presented next month.