Board of Education meeting - April 1, 2026

The Bethlehem Board of Education held a meeting on April 1, 2026, which included a comprehensive review and final presentation of the 2026-2027 budget. The budget discussion highlighted a proposed total appropriation of approximately $119.8 million, reflecting a 2.7% increase in expenditures and a tax levy increase of about 2.6%. The board discussed the use of $1.1 million from the district's undesignated fund balance to balance the budget and detailed revenue sources including real property taxes, state aid, and other streams. A significant procurement-related item was the approval of a bus acquisition proposition for nine diesel buses costing roughly $1.6 million, with state aid offsetting about 64.5% of the cost over five years. Additionally, the board approved an amendment to an architectural contract related to a capital project that increased from $42 million to approximately $60 million, resulting in a higher architectural fee based on the larger project scope. The meeting also covered policy revisions and personnel action items, with all finance and personnel motions approved unanimously. Future meetings and election notices were also scheduled.