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Colonial Intermediate Unit 20 proposes $44.43 million general operating budget, keeps district withholding flat
Summary
IU20 officials told the Bethlehem Area School District board that they are recommending a $44,431,923 general operating budget for 2025–26, a 4.1% increase overall, while maintaining a 0% increase to the mandated district withholding and other internal receipts.
Colonial Intermediate Unit 20 officials presented their proposed 2025–26 general operating budget to the Bethlehem Area School District Board on March 10 and requested district review ahead of IU action and the May 1 filing deadline.
John Wallach, IU20 business director, summarized the proposal: “We’re recommending a general operating budget of $44,431,923. It's an overall budget increase of 4.1 or $173,303,” and he said the IU intends to hold the required district withholding and receipts from other internal budgets flat for the year.
Wallach told the board the general operating budget supports administrative services across four departments — educational support services (executive office), business services, human resources and educational technology (IMS) — and that salary and benefits make up the bulk of costs (salaries 51.7% and benefits 35.4%). He cited medical cost increases and the final year of an Act 93 salary agreement as cost drivers.
Why it matters: IU budgets are a required part of district budgeting in Pennsylvania. Wallach said the IU would present its budget to district superintendents, seek approval, and then bring the IU board vote in April before the May 1 submission to Harrisburg.
Program and service highlights: Jackie Bartek, an IU presenter, summarized services the IU provides across Northampton, Monroe and Pike counties — early intervention (age 3–5), special‑education recruitment and retention programs, Project SEARCH employment programs, behavioral health services, Colonial Academy for students in need of specialized supports, professional learning (including structured literacy partnerships), a driver education program and a district print shop.
Next steps: Wallach noted procedural steps — internal development, superintendent review, IU board approval in April and a May 1 submission to state officials — and said Bethlehem’s share of the general operating cost (the withholding line) would show no increase for 2025–26.
