The Bethlehem Central Board of Education has adopted a $119.8 million budget proposal for the 2026–27 school year. If approved by voters on May 19, the plan would maintain all current student programs while keeping the tax levy within the tax cap.
The Board approved the proposal at its April 1 meeting, following several budget development sessions that began in February with a projected gap of $4,115,198.
The proposed 2026–27 budget totals $119,757,737, an increase of $3,133,801 (2.69%) from the current year. It includes a 2.61% tax levy increase — the maximum allowed under New York State’s tax cap formula — requiring only a simple majority vote for approval. The plan also calls for the use of $1.12 million from the district’s fund balance.
Superintendent Jody Monroe said that despite growing financial pressures, the proposal preserves all academic and extracurricular opportunities for students, invests in early learning, and continues the district’s focus on small class sizes.
To help manage rising costs, the proposed budget includes strategic staffing reductions that are based on enrollment and student course requests. This includes eliminating 15 positions that are currently vacant or will become vacant due to retirements at the end of the school year. The reductions include a mix of teaching and support staff positions. The proposed cuts would not impact students and would not result in any layoffs.
A major driver of the proposed budget is the cost of employee health insurance, which is projected to increase by 15.8%, or $2,868,390, next year. Over the past two years, district health care costs have risen by 26.2%.
“The one-year increase in health insurance costs alone represents more than 90% of the total proposed spending increase for 2026-27,” Monroe said. “Schools are a people-centered business. Our employees support students in every way possible, and we are committed to providing them with the health care they deserve.
“At the same time, costs continue to escalate, and state aid has not kept pace with inflation, creating significant budget challenges,” added Monroe. “Using fund balance to close budget gaps is not a long-term solution. New York state must ensure districts like Bethlehem receive adequate funding so schools and local taxpayers are not forced to choose between educational opportunities and financial stability.”
The district expects an increase in NYS Foundation Aid of approximately $558,000 for 2026-27. State aid figures will be finalized with the passage of the state budget that was due on April 1.
New spending in the proposed district budget includes the addition of two elementary reading teachers, a new K–5 instructional coach, a full-time English as a New Language (ENL) teacher, and a part-time physical therapist. There are also expanded extracurricular opportunities for students with the addition of several after-school clubs and a modified flag football program at the middle school.
In addition to the budget vote, residents will elect three members to the Board of Education. Candidates will be announced after the April 20 deadline to submit petitions. If there are more than three candidates, a Meet the Candidates Night will be held on Wednesday, May 13 at 6:30 p.m. at Bethlehem Central High School in Room D122.
Voters will also consider a separate proposition to replace aging vehicles in the district’s transportation fleet. The plan includes the purchase of nine large diesel buses. No new electric buses are proposed due to challenges with EV bus performance and charge management. The district currently owns 10 electric buses.
The Budget Vote and Board of Education Election will be held on Tuesday, May 19, from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. at Bethlehem Central High School, in Gym A. Absentee and early voting ballots will be available.