Bristol School Board Approves First Tax Hike More Than A Decade

Taxpayers in the Bristol Borough School District will see a bump in their tax bills this summer after the 2026-2027 spending plan was approved.

The school board voted 7-1 last week to pass the 2026-2027 budget, which is $28.4 million and features a 7-mill tax increase.

For the average taxpayer, the tax hike translates to an additional $159.46 annually, or about $13.28 per month.

Officials said the tax increase marks the district’s first millage hike in 15 years.

District leaders have been grappling with a surge in special education costs, which served as a primary driver for rising costs.

The district projects $14.1 million in state funding, $12.8 million from local tax revenues, and $1.1 million in federal money for the 2026-2027 budget year.

In addition to rising special education costs, the budget includes a 1 percent salary increase for teachers, a 3 percent contracted pay increase for custodial and maintenance staff, and a 2 percent increase for support staff.

After personnel costs, the district is facing higher tuition rates for the Bucks County Technical High School, rising medical insurance premiums, and increased utility costs for the borough’s two school buildings.

School officials expect to offset some expenditures through projected savings from upcoming teacher retirements and an anticipated increase in rental and inclusion billing.