North Hills School District Hikes Taxes

ROSS TOWNSHIP, PA — North Hills School District has adopted its 2021-22 budget that includes a tax hike for property owners.

The district's millage has increased millage rate goes from 18.65 to 19.04 mills. The real estate tax on a home valued at the district’s average of $135,000 is $52.65 more per year or $4.39 more per month. The increase jumps to $78 more annually or $6.50 more a month on a home valued at $200,000.

The board voted 7-0 to approve the final budget. School director Kathy Reid abstained and Annette Giovengo Nolish did not attend the board meeting.

District officials noted that new millage rate of 19.04 is less than the 19.30 maximum
millage rate (.65 mills increase) allowed under the current tax rate of 3.5 percent and remains among the lowest when compared to other school districts in Allegheny County. There was no tax increase in North Hills last year.

District officials said the four additional teachers are necessary due to the district’s enrollment bubble in certain grades in order to maintain class sizes. Last year, two nurses retired but only one was replaced. The additional nurse will bring the district back to where it should be.

According to district officials, the psychologists will support students’ social and emotional
and mental health needs. the COVID-19 pandemic. The district currently has two psychologists
serving more than 4,500 students, far less than the recommended one psychologist to 1,000 students ratio.