LCTI proposes 4.2% operating increase; Parkland’s share rises about $16,000

Lehigh Career & Technical Institute officials presented the consortium’s proposed 2026–27 budget to the Parkland School District board, saying the plan is balanced and shared among the nine Lehigh County districts on a proportional basis. “Overall, the budget represents a 4.2% increase to our member districts,” the presenter told the board during the workshop presentation.

The presenter said LCTI uses a five‑year averaging process for average daily membership (ADM) to smooth enrollment shifts; Parkland’s ADM was reported at 413, with roughly 380 Parkland students enrolled in LCTI programs and 47 attending the academic center full time. Officials reported students earned 455 industry credentials last year — an increase of 159 from the prior year — and noted some credentials can cost “two to three thousands” of dollars. LCTI said it uses grant funding, including about $1,000,000 annually from the Carl Perkins grant, to support credentialing costs.

The presentation itemized major expense drivers, citing higher health‑care premiums and increased supply costs for hands‑on CTE programs. On capital and debt, the presenter said LCTI’s overall debt is approximately $50,000,000 with payments continuing through 2041; Parkland’s proportional share of capital costs was listed at about 31.7%, producing a Parkland general fund share of roughly $5,100,000. The presenter also said the district anticipates a $105,000 increase in state CTE subsidy funding for 2026–27.

Board members who serve on the LCTI Joint Operating Committee (JOC) thanked the presenter and said they were familiar with the review process. Later in the meeting, the board’s committee recommended forwarding the LCTI general operating and academic center budgets to participating districts for approval.