Former Councilwoman Michelle Benitez said “experienced leadership” is needed to get the district out of its “severe financial crisis.” <\/p>\n
\n May 12, 2026 10:36 am EDT | Updated May 12, 2026 10:37 am EDT <\/p>\n
BENSALEM TOWNSHIP, PA \u2014 A former township school director and councilwoman is calling for “experienced leadership” to lead the district out of its “severe financial crisis.” <\/p>\n
Michelle Benitez \u2014 who lost her council re-election bid as a Republican in last November’s general election \u2014 is criticizing the current Democratic-controlled school board for shifting the blame on whose responsible for the 2026-2027 budget deficit. <\/p>\n
“There\u2019s also a growing sense that too much focus is being placed on politics and blame, rather than solutions,” she said. “Collaboration is key, but balancing the budget is the school board\u2019s responsibility. That burden can\u2019t be shifted to police, the township, donors, or taxpayers already contributing. Our schools need experienced, transparent leadership focused on long-term stability. It\u2019s time to refocus and move forward for our students and our community. Elections matter, and now we are facing the consequences.”<\/p>\n
Subscribe<\/a><\/p>\n “The financial challenges facing the Bensalem School District should concern all of us,” Benitez said. “After recent furloughs, we still face a significant budget deficit, this is a time for steady leadership, collaboration, and a clear path forward.”<\/p>\n The school district faces a $2.7 million deficit in the 2026-2027 school budget, which the school board will vote on at its meeting on June 29.<\/p>\n