ROYERSFORD — The Spring-Ford Area School District preliminary budget for 2013-14 shows a shortfall of $2.5 million, according to a presentation at Tuesday night’s school board meeting.

The $132 million budget will likely require a tax increase to cover the difference but that increase will fall under the 3.1 percent increase allowable under the state’s Act 1 index, including exceptions the district is qualified to take.

Despite the challenges faced by shortfall and rising costs that are beyond the district’s control, Spring-Ford Area School District Business Manager Timothy Anspach remains optimistic.