Woodland Hills School District continues to make strides with fiscal responsibility
NORTH BRADDOCK – Aug. 1, 2024 – A year after issuing the first tax reduction to residents in district history, the Woodland Hills School District is proud to showcase additional data from the Allegheny County Treasurer that highlights the district’s commitment to fiscal responsibility.
In 2021, Woodland Hills School District residents were the fourth highest taxed in Allegheny County with a millage of 26.9982. According to the county treasurer’s office as of July 31, 2024, Woodland Hills now ranks 17th in the county in millage rate. The district’s approved millage rate for the 2024-25 school year is 26.500, which sustains the tax reduction the district delivered to residents in 2023.
The Woodland Hills School District is one of only two districts among the 43 public school districts in the county to reduce its millage from 2021 to 2024. Five remained flat during that period.
“Being a fiscally responsible district requires very difficult decisions from our administrators every year,” Woodland Hills School District superintendent Dr. Daniel Castagna said. “By taking this disciplined approach, we are demonstrating our commitment to our families by trying to provide them with some modest, sustained financial relief that was long overdue. At the same time, we’ve been able to increase our enrollment in each of the past two years, enhance the support and resources we offer, and provide new opportunities to students at all grade levels.”
The Woodland Hills School District’s financial management also helped it recently establish a record fund balance of $14.1 million.
“Thanks to the district’s diligence with its finances, as well as increased funding from the state and reform to cyber charter school payments, our district is well-positioned to provide our students and staff with a challenging curriculum and robust resources in a safe and secure environment,” business manager Ms. Jill Regan said.
Over the last three years, the Woodland Hills School District has been able to partner with VEX Robotics to provide its students with one of the only comprehensive K-12 robotics curriculums in the region, substantially increase student enrollment in Advance Placement courses, open the Rankin Community Center, collaborate with community organizations to provide additional supports to students in need, and much more. The district is currently embarking on several capital improvement projects, including the installation of a new HVAC system at Edgewood Elementary STEAM Academy as well as additional structural improvements and renovations to the building.
The district will welcome back students for the 2024-25 school year on Tuesday, August 20.