Finance committee flags projected budget shortfall; board approves consent agenda including MCIU contribution

The Cheltenham School District finance committee told the board on Feb. 10 that preliminary projections for the 2026–27 budget show a significant shortfall that will require further discussions and public input.

"There is a significant, projected shortfall that the district is continuing to navigate and explore," the finance committee chair (Mr. Epps) said, urging continued conversations and public engagement as the administration refines projections.

Epps previewed several items on the consent agenda that the committee had reviewed, including a replacement scoreboard at the football stadium and the district’s contribution to the Montgomery County Intermediate Unit (MCIU). Miss Lohman had earlier reported that the MCIU 2026–27 member services budget was approved and the district’s share on the agenda was $58,424 — a 4.37% increase over last year.

The board moved and seconded approval of the consent agenda and voted to approve it without recorded opposition. The consent agenda includes the MCIU contribution, grant acceptances, personnel approvals and facilities items such as accepting a grant for Elkins Park roller hockey rink renovations and approving a scoreboard replacement for the stadium.

The finance committee noted the budget is preliminary and subject to change; Epps encouraged interested community members to attend finance committee meetings for detailed discussions. No final budget was adopted at the Feb. 10 meeting; the committee scheduled further deliberations and public engagement in the coming months.