Board of Education meeting - Feb. 4, 2026

The Bethlehem Board of Education meeting on February 4, 2026, included discussions on several procurement-related topics, notably the approval of minutes from prior meetings including a capital bond vote. The board provided updates on the $60 million capital project approved by voters, which focuses 34% of funds on classroom renovations, 17% on air conditioning, and the remainder on infrastructure and safety upgrades. Planning and design submissions to the State Education Department are underway with construction expected to begin in summer 2027. Additionally, the board discussed the issuance of a Request for Proposals (RFP) for Universal Pre-Kindergarten (UPK) providers for the next school year, with funding available for up to 235 spots. The district is transitioning UPK services from one provider to another mid-year due to staffing shortages. Budget development was also reviewed, highlighting a 10-year average budget increase of 2.19% and tax levy increases averaging 1.5%, with the budget adoption process scheduled for March and May 2026. The meeting also touched on policy development related to emerging technologies and AI use in classrooms, which may influence future procurement and training needs.