BETHLEHEM, Pa. – Bethlehem Area School District officials aren’t happy with the 2026-27 budget.
“This is a difficult budget; this is one of the hardest we’ve had in a while,” said Board of Directors President Michael Faccinetto.
But they’ve voted to pass it anyway.
“This isn’t really a good budget, but it’s an acceptable budget given the situation that we’re in,” Faccinetto said.
The $390 million spending plan includes a 4% real estate tax increase, which will result in a $140 increase for the average taxpayer in Northampton County and a $122 increase for the average taxpayer in Lehigh County.
Officials predict $385 million in revenue for 2026-27, which results in a $5.2 million contribution from the fund balance to balance the budget, officials said. The remaining fund balance is $5.1 million, they said.
The spending plan includes cutting numerous positions, including administrative support staff and teaching positions, affecting every part of the district, Faccinetto said. He added that the district was able to balance the budget without furloughing anyone but saw reductions through attrition and restructuring.
Board member Winston Alozie said that while the budget was well prepared, it was unfair to those affected by programs that have been cut and to educators who have taken on new responsibilities due to restructuring.
“I don’t agree with some of the decisions that have been made to achieve this budget. I think it’s irresponsible, and I think it’s unfair to some of the children and families that we serve that we’ve cut certain programs to make this budget happen…but I understand,” he said.
BASD plans to hire a firm to conduct a comprehensive enrollment, building utilization and boundary study to determine redistricting options.
Board member Michael Recchiuti said the district is feeling the effects of inflation that has affected all aspects of life.
“This is one of the things that shows we are not immune to the same inflation we see personally,” he said.
“Good job, but hopefully we won’t have to raise taxes 4% next year,” Recchiuti added.
District Chief Financial Officer Harry Aristakesian said the district expects the state budget to be adopted and anticipates receiving 100% of its basic education and special education funding, as well as adequacy funding.
Title I funding supports programs for low-income students, English learners and educator development.
For her part, board member Silagh White urged taxpayers to contact legislators about charter school funding reform.
“Charter schools still impact our budget most incredibly…this is a significant expense on public school budgets,” she said.
The district projects spending $50 million on charter school payments while receiving $56 million in basic education funding.
“Almost all of the money that’s coming in from the state, we’re writing a check right back to the charter schools,” Aristakesian said.
Superintendent Jack Silva called the spending plan a “tough budget,” but said he supported its passage.
“I think this plan for the multiyear budget does what it needs to do this year and delivers on the education expectations the community has for our students,” Silva said.
Aristakesian said the budget represents “a best effort to outline what’s going to happen anywhere from three to 15 months from now.”