MASD Update -- May 24, 2023

Dear Moon Area School District Community:   

The MASD Board of School Directors voted on the proposed final budget at their May 22, 2023 meeting. The proposed final budget includes a tax increase of 1.111 mills, which raises the district’s millage rate to 23.7856.   

Our annual operating budget is funded primarily by three sources:   

• Local taxpayers – 73.53% of the budget.   
• State funded – 24.85% of the budget.   
• Federally funded 00 1.62% of the budget.   

Our goal is to ensure every student has access to a high-quality education and the academic and social emotional support they may need to achieve success. We continue to work to ensure Moon Area School District is one of the most successful and prominent school districts in Pennsylvania. We are excited that all our schools do well, including McCormick Elementary School, which was recognized as the number one elementary school in the state.   

We make every effort to achieve these goals without a tax increase for our families. In an effort to maintain fiscally responsible, we continually analyze expenditures and implement cost saving opportunities.  However, due to several factors, a tax increase was necessary this year even after reviewing our cost saving opportunities.   

We have experienced tremendous growth throughout our district. Growth is a positive thing. It means people are choosing to live here and send their children to our schools. However, the rapid growth and development we have experienced in our community impacts our operating budget.   

In addition, our assessment values under the Common Level Ratio (CLR) dropped from 81.1% to 63.60%, which is a 17.50% drop in taxable assessment value. Due to high inflation, our contractual obligations increased by 5.5% and our healthcare costs saw the biggest jump to date -- a 15% increase.   

While the Moon school taxes have increased, they are not out of line with other school districts. The full list of millage rates of other school districts can be found on Allegheny County’s website.   

As we work to fulfill our mission and ensure our students are prepared for success in the 21st century global society, we remain committed to operating as efficiently and effectively as possible.   

Sincerely,   
 

Barry Balaski  
Superintendent  
Moon Area School District