Pennsbury Seeks To Fill Gap In Proposed $265.4 Million Budget

File photo. Credit: Tom Sofield/LevittownNow.com

The Pennsbury School Board is weighing a proposed $265.4 million budget for the 2025-2026 school year, marking a 4.5% increase over the current year’s spending, according to information presented at last Thursday’s board meeting.

District Chief Financial Officer Chris Berdnick told the board that even with a potential 4 percent tax increase, the district could still face a $4.4 million deficit. He suggested the gap could be covered by drawing from the district’s fund balance.

“We’re not done with the budget, and we’re not satisfied with taking $4 million fund balance. That’s not a sustainable path,” Berdnick stated.

Berdnick outlined the revenue projections for the upcoming school year, noting $260.9 million in expected income. The breakdown includes 77 percent from local sources, 22 percent from state funding, and 1 percent from federal revenue.

“Our 25-26 budget has revenues of $260.9 million. It includes a 4 percent Act 1 index increase … We need that for the high school project,” Berdnick said.

The district anticipates further tax increases in the coming years as it proceeds with the multi-million dollar high school project that will grow the debt but will replace the current aging two high school buildings in Falls Township.

Several key areas are driving the budget increase, Berdnick stated.

Special education costs are rising significantly due to a change in cost methodology by the Bucks County Intermediate Unit. The change will result in an increase exceeding 23 percent.

Debt service is projected to grow by $1.9 million, or 10 percent, while specialized transportation costs are increasing by $690,000.

The district’s contribution to the Bucks County Technical High School is also rising by $407,000, and charter school costs are up by $401,000.

Utility expenses, mostly for natural gas and electricity, are climbing by $392,000.

However, district officials highlighted efforts to control spending in other areas.

The technology department budget is slated for a 4.7 percent increase, but all other budget categories combined are expected to decrease.

“Everything else is actually a decrease. Everything. Every other category combined in the budget is a decrease,” Berdnick explained. “This is basically all our supplies and materials that we are looking at. Things that we can truly can control we’ve decreased.”

The district is also implementing staffing reductions projected to save $1.25 million.

The changes includes reducing temporary positions from 15.5 to 6.5 and eliminating one administrative position at the central office.

Officials pointed out that the majority of the budget is allocated to salaries and benefits for the district’s approximately 1,800 staff members, who serve around 9,600 students.

“The review of staffing is ongoing,” Berdnick said. “Some of the steps that we’ll be taking a look at is within the contract. For Bucks County Intermediate Unit Special education services, there are certain positions budgeted to secure through BCIU. We’re going to see if we’re able to fill those positions internally and save on the overhead cost of the intermediate unit.”

Superintendent Dr. Thomas Smith outlined how the district builds its budget and said they “evaluate our existing programs and staffing using our district goal assessment data. So we put money where it is needed.”

The Pennsbury School Board is scheduled to hold a final vote on the proposed budget in June.