Superintendent: Bensalem district managing deferred state and federal revenue for now

The Bensalem Township School District superintendent reported the district is operating amid state and federal budget impasses that have left some reimbursements deferred, but said the district’s day‑to‑day operations have not yet been interrupted.

The superintendent told the board the district adopted a $188,000,000 budget in June and that several state and federal allocations are being held up; he referenced an adequacy appropriation of about $1,800,000 seen in Commonwealth budget drafts. The district has recorded deferred revenue from state and federal sources and is monitoring cash flow closely.

Finance staff explained the district had approximately $53,000,000 in at‑risk state and federal revenue and has taken steps — deferring charter payments and using the state’s intercept for debt service — to preserve liquidity. Finance staff estimated the district could maintain operations "at least until March or April" under the current conditions, while continuing to lobby for passage of a Commonwealth budget.

Board members asked about borrowing and timing; staff said the district is proactively deferring some expenses and continuing to seek state reimbursement. The superintendent and staff said federal shutdown impacts have not affected immediate operations but cautioned that prolonged impasses could force borrowing.

Next steps: staff will continue to monitor the situation, pursue state and federal action, and report back to the board on cash‑flow and audit results.