BENSALEM TOWNSHIP, PA — With a "severe financial crisis" bogging down the Bensalem Township School District, the school board voted to significantly slash staffing in the 2026-2027 budget, eliminating teachers and administrators.
In early February, school board members said the district faced a $15-16 million deficit with no tax increase.
On Wednesday, the school board took action, approving a resolution to eliminate 31 positions, including nine administrative posts, and over 20 elementary teachers, librarians, guidance counselors, and special education teachers.
"None of us want to do this," School Director Karen Winters said at Wednesday night's school board meeting. "It goes against everything that I believe to be good, but we don't have another choice. We are statutorily obligated to pass a budget and we are so deep in a deficit that there is not another way to do this."
After reports that the school district has a "severe financial situation," school directors explained what that crisis was and what impact it would have on the next school budget.
School officials held numerous meetings to discuss the crisis with the public.
The crisis led to the resignation of longtime Schools Superintendent Samuel Lee.
Interim Schools Superintendent Victoria Velazquez said the staffing cuts are among the most difficult decisions a school board has to make.
"Every decision is being made with the students at the center and with a deep awareness of the impact on our staff and our community," Velazquez said.
School officials told Patch on Wednesday that the moves would save at least $6 million and shave the 2026-2027 school budget deficit down to $2 million.
These are the staffing positions being eliminated in the 2026-2027 school budget:
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