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Molly Lum challenges 4.2% tax increase, questions $1.5M escrow and new projects at Northern Lebanon School District meeting
Summary
At the March 10, 2026 Northern Lebanon School District board meeting, resident Molly Lum urged the board to delay new construction and questioned a proposed 4.2% tax increase, citing roughly $1.5 million held as letters of credit and raising concerns about recurring staff and equipment costs.
Molly Lum, a resident who identified herself during public comment at the Northern Lebanon School District Board of Directors meeting on March 10, criticized a proposed 4.2% tax increase and urged the board to prioritize finishing outstanding projects before starting new ones.
“Per Mr. Naum in February’s Leptown article, the fund balance will decrease by about $1,000,000 even with a 4.2% tax increase,” Lum said, summarizing projections and urging fiscal restraint. She told the board there is “approximately $1,500,000 being held by Bethel Township for the high school and middle school renovations, approximately $800,000 being held by Bethel for the elementary school and field house, and approximately $50,000 being held by Switerra Township for odds and ends, including a sidewalk.”
Lum questioned the timing and scope of several capital projects. Citing bid figures she received for a proposed demolition and reconstruction of the high school tennis courts, she said the lowest bid would be $378,000 and a high figure on the list was $3,370,375 and asked, “Why are we pursuing a full demolition, the most expensive option, instead of trying one of the other more affordable repairs to buy some time until other projects are finished?”
She also pressed the board on recurring operating costs that would come from the current “wish list,” including seven proposed new positions and new equipment purchases. “Let’s say all positions each start at $60,000 plus benefits. You are looking at well over $500,000 that will now stick with the district,” Lum said, and asked whether items such as an additional police officer, a German teacher, and new bleachers were urgent priorities.
The public comment drew no substantive response from the board during the meeting record. President Nam moved the meeting into the consent and action items that were on the published agenda; the board did not take any immediate action on the budget questions raised during Lum’s comments.
Context: the board’s agenda for the night was light, and the superintendent said a more complete midyear update will be provided at the next meeting when staff who assist with that report are available. Board members and liaisons later delivered routine reports from the CTC, PSBA and legislative liaison; no formal vote on the tax rate was taken at this meeting.
Next steps: the district’s secretary/treasurer indicated a budget update may be available in April; no formal directive to staff or follow-up tasks were recorded during the March 10 session.
