School Board
Pittsburgh Public Schools approves 2% property tax hike, adding ~$13/ year for the average homeowner.
On Dec. 17, the Pittsburgh Public Schools board voted 6 to 3 to raise property taxes 2% in its 2026 budget. The board president said it should cost the average homeowner about $13 more a year. A 4% increase was first proposed, but the finance chief said it would've violated state law.
Written by Annabelle Chipps, Chris Maury and Amy Whipple
The Pittsburgh Public Schools (PPS) board approved its 2026 budget, including a 2% property tax increase, with a 6 to 3 vote during a legislative meeting on Wednesday, Dec. 17.
School officials referred to this decision as "budget neutral."
Board directors Dwayne Barker of Perry Hilltop, Tawana Cook Purnell of East Liberty and Tracey Reed of Greenfield voted not to approve the $731.3 million budget with this increase.
The change will move property tax rates from 1.025% to 1.045%, bringing in about $3.4 million for the district. This could bring the school closer to resolving its $6 million deficit, according to board president Gene Walker of Brighton Heights.
The amount was decided that morning, as the initially proposed 4% increase would have violated state Homestead and Farmstead laws, according to PPS Chief Financial Officer Ronald Joseph. The board was unaware of this conflict until they received last minute calculations from the county.
Walker said no school services are set for decreased funding, though there may be pay increases for vacant positions to entice qualified candidates.
He stated these changes should cost the average Pittsburgh homeowner an additional $13 each year. On a house assessed at $100,000 the additional tax will be $20.70.
Walker said decisions involving the budget are "always a challenge for [the board]."
"It's hard to say that asking people to pay more money, even when it's less than it was supposed to be, is a relief," Walker said.
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- Tawana Cook PurnellDwayne BarkerTracey ReedGene Walker
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