PA-COVID Relief Fund Boosts Phoenixville District Allocation 7%

PHOENIXVILLE, PA —The COVID-19 pandemic caused a lot of havoc for the last two years in local school districts in Chester County.

Schools closed and parents were called in to help their children attend virtual classes.

When the students returned in January, parents and students were protesting mask mandates.

Finally, some good news.

The money Pennsylvania received in COVID- relief funds for elementary and secondary education has recently been distributed to school districts.

The school districts received $7.6 billion, an increase of $525 million, or 7 %, over last year’s spending plan.

Phoenixville Area School District received $6 million, 11.10% over last year’s allocation.

The Phoenixville Area School Board voted 7-2 on May 25 to adopt a $103.5 million budget for the 2022-2023 school year, calling for a .99% tax increase.

The district has 4,117 students and comprises Phoenixville borough; and East Pikeland and Schuylkill townships.

The average tax increase for borough residents amounts to $46.07.

The amount is based on a median assessed value of a property at $144,000, which amounts to $320,000 in market value.

In March, Gov. Wolf stopped in Phoenixville to deliver a speech about the proposed budget.

“The commonwealth of Pennsylvania is in a strong financial position right now. That’s why it’s so important for us to use this opportunity to help Pennsylvanians," Wolf said.

Wolf said he has made education a top priority throughout his administration, including historic investments in schools and students.

He plans to add an additional $1.9 billion for education in pre-K through college in his proposed $47.4 billion budget.

The governor said the investment will give schools the resources they need to provide a world class education to students, while reducing the tax burden on local communities.