Easton School Property Taxes to Go Up 3.5%

May 26, 2026

— Jeff Ward, Lehigh Valley News Briefs

The Easton Area School District is raising property taxes 3.5% for the 2026-27 year.

That was the big event Tuesday evening but the school board meeting started with about a half hour presentation of honors.

The school board voted to raise the millage to 74.7 to support the next school year’s $223.3 million budget and the construction of a new $298 million high school. About $151 million of the 2026-27 budget comes from local sources, mostly the property tax.

No board member disputed the need for a new school, although the cost remains a concern.

The 3.5% tax increase consists of 2% to cover regular costs and 1.5% dedicated to the new Easton Area High School.

The vote for the budget was 6-3.

In favor were Jodi Hess, Meg Sayago, William Whitman, Josh Davis, Edward Keegan and Ghennifer Zando-Dennis.

Opposed were Michael Simonetta, Brian Snyder and Shandeka Greenfield.

Hess, president of the board, said putting more money into the old high school was not yielding a good return on investment. She also noted the burden property tax is places on residents.

Simonetta said the board has to scrutinize expenses constantly, not just annually.

“Voting `no’ on a budget once a year does not alleviate the burden on the taxpayers,” he said.

The meeting agenda is posted on the district website, along with the budget.

A couple minor points. My suggestion for future meetings: don’t read statements on behalf of people who aren’t there. If somebody isn’t there, they aren’t there. They shouldn’t get to take up the time of those who went or watched.

Also keep the introductions brief. Presenting honors shouldn’t take up a lot of time before a budget vote.

The 2024 fiscal year audit of the district was also presented. It’s posted on the website.

The agenda included a $45,000 contract for sports psychology services from Mind of the Athlete in Bath. That will be paid for by grants, according to the EASD administration.