Pennsbury board votes to advertise proposed 2025–26 budget that uses $4.4 million from fund balance

The Pennsbury School District Board of Directors voted April 24 to advertise the proposed 2025–26 budget, a step that will allow the district to publish the plan for public review before a final adoption vote in June.

Board business and finance director Chris Burdnick told the board the proposed budget shows $260.9 million in projected revenues, $265.4 million in expenditures — a 4.5% increase over the current year — and a planned $4.4 million use of fund balance. Burdnick said the package includes a 4% Act 1 index increase and described several cost drivers, including rising special-education and debt-service expenses.

“The growth in that carryover cost is estimated at $2,100,000,” Burdnick said of charges from the Bucks County Intermediate Unit, and he warned the board against relying on fund balance long term: “I really wanna emphasize that were not done with the budget, that were not satisfied with taking $4,000,000 from fund balance. Thats nota sustainable path.”

Why it matters: The advertised budget begins the public-comment and review period required before the June adoption vote. The plan’s revenue and spending estimates — together with the fund-balance draw — will shape the districts discussions this spring on staffing, programs and capital plans, including the districts ongoing new-high-school project and several facilities needs.

What the budget includes: Board materials and committee presentations cited these principal items: - Revenues (proposed): $260.9 million; expenditures (proposed): $265.4 million; proposed fund-balance use: $4.4 million. - Largest spending category: salaries and benefits (the lions share of the general fund). Support-staff and teacher-scale increases are included; special-education costs and the districts contract with the Bucks County Intermediate Unit account for substantial growth. - Other increases called out: debt service, specialized transportation, charter-school tuition and technology costs. - Technology purchases on the consent agenda included a multi-year Chromebook refresh and a district iPad pilot (details in the board packet). The packet listed a Chromebook purchase and four-year protection plan “not to exceed $1,060,960” and an elementary iPad purchase and accessories “not to exceed $120,708.”

Board action and next steps: At the meeting the board approved the motion to advertise the proposed final budget for 2025–26. The vote was recorded as unanimous on the consent agenda (tally recorded by the board as 8–0). Advertising begins the statutorily required public-review period; the board staff said additional budget meetings and a final adoption vote are scheduled for May and June.

Public comment and concerns: Several members of the public used the meetings public-comment period to voice worries about the budget and district governance. - Robert Abrams (Lower Makefield Township) criticized projected increases and questioned how district funds are being allocated across capital projects and transportation, saying the numbers “arent making any sense here.” - Tim Daley (Lower Makefield) asserted the district had mishandled student privacy records and said he had initiated legal steps; his remarks were delivered as public comment and reflect his allegations. - Jennifer Metzger (Falls Township) described what she called large unresolved fiscal challenges and urged caution on borrowing and construction plans.

The board did not respond to public accusations at length during the public-comment period; administration and board members repeatedly noted that public comment is for speakers to address the board and that staff would follow up as appropriate.

Votes at a glance: The board took two recorded consent votes that relate directly to finance and governance. - Motion: Authorize advertisement of the proposed final general fund budget for 2025–26 (staff circulated proposed revenues/expenditures and directed advertisement). Outcome: approved (tally recorded as 8–0). Details: proposed revenues $260.9M; proposed expenditures $265.4M; fund-balance use $4.4M. - Motion: Appoint Pennsbury voting delegates to the Pennsylvania School Boards Association delegate assembly (Joshua Waldorf, Linda Powalski and Joanna Steer). Outcome: approved (tally recorded as 8–0).

Whats next: Administration said it will continue department-level reviews, finalize the capital budget and return to the finance committee in May with additional detail ahead of the June adoption vote. The board will consider public feedback received during the statutory advertisement period before taking final action.