Cheltenham board approves consent agenda, including 2026–27 balanced budget with 3.5% tax increase

The Cheltenham School District board approved a bundled consent agenda on June 9 that included curriculum adoptions, shared‑service agreements and the fiscal 2026–27 budget. The voice vote approving the consent agenda was recorded as 'I' with no recorded opposition.

Finance committee co‑chair Zachary EPS summarized the district's financial position, saying the proposed budget is balanced for 2026–27 without using the fund balance and includes a 3.5% local tax increase to address revenue shortfalls tied to reduced assessed values and appeal outcomes. "This final budget does have a balanced budget without the use of our fund balance, and also includes a proposal for a 3.5% tax increase for this next year," EPS said during the committee report.

Board members discussed budget context during committee reports and at the consent‑agenda vote. Several members thanked administrative staff for multi‑year planning and noted the budget remains within the Act 1 index pacing mechanism; one board member said the district had worked to remain below the Act 1 index in prior years but that current fiscal conditions made the increase necessary.

The consent agenda also included approval of the Montgomery County Intermediate Unit cost plan (shared services estimated at roughly $2 million) covering special‑education supports, autism services, personal care assistance, and related services. Board members noted that the MCIU estimate is billed quarterly and settled at fiscal year end.

Administrative documents accompanying the agenda described multiple contract and curriculum adoptions, and the board indicated they will continue to monitor long‑term projections, negotiations and capital pressures. The motion to approve the consent agenda was moved and seconded; the chair called for the voice vote and declared the motion approved.