A plan with a tax levy increase of just over one percent
On May 20, voters in the Bethlehem Central School District will consider a proposed budget of $116.6 million for the 2025-26 school year, which includes a tax levy increase of 1.12%.
The proposed tax levy increase of 1.12%, amounting to $820,000, is lower than the annual inflation rate. Additionally, the overall budget increase of 2.27% is also below the rate of inflation. The total proposed budget of $116,623,936 reflects an increase of $2,586,402 compared to last year. The budget plan incorporates a one-time use of $715,241 from the district’s fund balance to keep the tax levy increase within New York State’s required tax cap formula.
The year-to-year budget increase is mainly due to the rising costs of health care (medical and pharmaceutical), retirement benefits, and contractual salary increases as part of collective bargaining agreements. These contractual and mandated expenses are set to increase by $1,893,736, or 6.5 percent, in 2025-26. Over the last two years, health and retirement costs in the district have increased by $4,578,239, or 17.4%. Salary costs are expected to increase by 2.8% in the new school year.
Plan maintains smaller class sizes; matches staffing to enrollment
The proposed budget continues current academic programs, services and opportunities for students and maintains the smaller class sizes that have been in place since the pandemic. Class sizes at the K-5 level average 19-20 students per section; classes in grades 6-12 average 21-22 students per section in core courses.
Due to continuing enrollment declines, the proposed plan reduces several staff positions (7.5 FTE instructional positions; 11 full- and part-time support positions). These are reductions of positions, not people; they affect only vacant positions or those that will be eliminated after an individual retires. These reductions through attrition will not impact students.
Overall enrollment in 2025-26 is expected to decline by 1.8%, a net decline of 67 students. The projected enrollment decline is most notable at the elementary K-5 level where it is anticipated there will be 81 fewer students, a drop of 4.6 percent over the current year. Middle school enrollment will increase by 24 students, a 2.6% increase. High school enrollment will drop by an estimated 10 students, or less than one percent. Compared to its 2006-07 peak, district enrollment has declined 21.3%. New housing developments in the town of Bethlehem are expected to lead to enrollment growth over the next several years. The district is working with town officials to assess the impact of housing growth on the schools.
Budget includes $100K capital outlay to improve security
The proposed 2025-26 budget includes a $100,000 capital outlay to expand the installation of the Avigilon Door Status Monitoring System throughout the district.
The door alarm system immediately alerts staff if an exterior door is propped open or ajar during the school day. This allows for a prompt response so the door can be closed and locked or repaired, if needed.
The monitoring system has been installed at the high school and at the middle school following voter approval during the last two budget cycles. The 2025-26 budget would expand the door alert system to the elementary schools, beginning with Hamagrael. The system is integrated with the Avigilon security camera and access control systems, which are used districtwide.