Next year's early primary election for the presidential nominations will have an impact on the school district budgeting process, triggering early deadlines for certifying whether 2012-13 millage increases will fall within the state index.

Under state law, school districts must hold a primary election referendum in order to increase property taxes more than the index, unless the district is granted exceptions by the Pennsylvania Department of Education.

Districts have only until Jan. 5 to certify to the state that they will not increase taxes by more than the index. If this is not done, the district is subject to earlier budget deadlines in case the referendum is needed.

Northgate superintendent Dr. Reggie Bonfield said that Northgate's index for 2012-13 is about 1.7 percent, which would allow a tax increase of up to .67 mills without the district being forced to apply for exceptions or go to the election referendum.

Although the Northgate School Board normally does not meet after its reorganization meeting in early December, board members anticipate scheduling another meeting later in the month to address the need for the early budget projections.