Cheltenham school board posts $140 million proposed budget with 3% tax increase; approves traffic-calming spending

The Cheltenham School District on May 13 posted a proposed final budget of $140,000,000 that includes a 3% real-estate tax increase and will be available for 20 days of public inspection ahead of a scheduled June 10 board vote.

The proposed budget was described at the meeting as the district’s “best effort” estimate for next year and is being advertised now so the public can review it before the board’s anticipated June 10 approval. The finance committee’s interim financial review, presented to the board, included an unaudited statement through April 30, 2025, showing a projected structural surplus for the current year.

The budget posting and other items were included on the consent agenda, which the board approved by voice vote. The consent agenda also authorized a traffic-calming project not to exceed $61,000 for safety improvements near Glenside, Myers, Windcoat and Shelton Ham elementary schools. Board materials say the traffic-calming measures will include speed cushions, signage, pavement markings and raised crosswalks and will be funded through bus-patrol program revenue and coordination with the township.

Board members and administrators framed the budget as an investment in instructional materials, teacher development and targeted student supports. Board member Russell Epps said the budget supports classroom resources and professional learning, adding that the plan “invests in developing teachers’ capacity to simply believe in the the students that that they care for.” Board member Dan Schultz emphasized the procedural status of the item: “This is the final proposed budget. This is not passage of the budget.”

Finance materials cited in the meeting say the proposed budget includes a tax increase that remains below the state Act 1 index. The board’s finance update also noted work to align metrics with the district’s strategic plan and to prioritize spending on high-quality instructional materials and programs such as the district’s EPIC initiative.

The consent agenda passed by voice vote with no roll-call tally recorded on the transcript. Items included in the consent agenda and now posted for public inspection are the proposed final budget, advertisement of the final budget prior to the June 10 vote, approval of the traffic-calming project scope and funding approach, and continued partnership with bus patrol and the township.

Next steps: the district will keep the proposed budget on public display for 20 days before the board’s scheduled vote on June 10. The board’s finance committee will continue to review line-item and program details in advance of that vote.