Bethlehem Area SD board approves preliminary 2026–27 budget with 4% tax increase; cuts largely via attrition

The Bethlehem Area SD Board of School Directors on May 11 ratified a preliminary general fund budget for the 2026–27 school year that includes a 4% tax increase, a planned transfer from fund balance and roughly 30 administrative and teaching positions removed through attrition.

Superintendent Dr. Silva presented the proposal as “a careful, balanced approach” to protect classroom experience amid rising fixed costs and uncertain federal and state funding. “This proposal represents a careful, balanced approach,” Dr. Silva said, adding that the district preferred a lower tax impact but must respond to fiscal pressures.

Administration told the board the district had reduced an earlier projected gap of just over $8 million to about $6 million and is relying on a combination of the levy increase, contingency spending reductions and an estimated $6 million of general fund appropriations to balance the budget pending final revenue figures. Mr. Ariskeesian (administration) said the gap had dropped “to six million” and outlined the district’s plan to monitor federal grant outcomes and the governor’s budget proposals before final adoption.

Board members pressed administration on tradeoffs. Mr. Lozi said he understood the need for savings but warned that attrition-driven cuts can still remove services families rely on: “I just don’t like the idea of losing certain programs…we need our classroom teachers, but we also need those resources doing the work on the ground.” The board’s discussion also covered projected revenue scenarios, homestead rebate estimates, and sensitivity to state and federal decisions.

The motion to approve agenda item 7.01 passed on a roll-call vote, 5–2. Voting yes were Mrs. Patrick, Mr. Rashidi, Dr. Fashionto, Dr. Shriveley and Dr. Beckley; Mr. Lozi and Dr. White voted no. The board president said the version approved is expected to be close to the final plan but could change before the June 8 final adoption if revenue projections shift.

Administration said the district will post the finalized preliminary budget for public inspection and continue to update members and the community as state and federal funding guidance becomes available. Next procedural steps include finance committee checkpoints and a final board vote in June.

Actions and follow-up include tracking federal grant decisions between now and June 8 and publishing the final proposed budget for public inspection; the board emphasized that the approved version is a near-final framework that may be adjusted prior to formal adoption.