Parents concerned after preliminary Monessen SD budget could add 52 percent tax increase

MONESSEN, Pa. — Parents said they are concerned after learning that a preliminary budget for the Monessen School District includes a 52 percent tax increase.

It would be the third consecutive year for a school tax increase.

Rose Dubreucq said she wants what is best for her three children in the Monessen School District, but doesn’t feel as if her children are seeing a benefit from the increases.

"We already pay $1,500 for school taxes now. With another 52 percent that's expected again, it would raise our taxes by another $808 a year. That’s not something that's feasible," Dubreucq said.

Monessen School District Superintendent Leanne Spazak, Ph. D., said funding is getting lower and that a long-term change needs to be made, not just a Band Aid for next year.

"When you work with the state, you have to put in a preliminary budget if you even intend of thinking of going over or above the budget, but by all means it won't be 52 percent," Spazak said.

A citizens’ group called the Monessen Education Reform Group wants the school district to consider a merger. The group argues the district lags behind neighboring districts when it comes to standardized test scores and enrollment. Members must first convince Monessen School District leaders.

Cox Media Group