No Tax Hike In 2024-2025 Bristol Twp. School Budget

BRISTOL TOWNSHIP, PA —The Bristol Township School District's streak of no tax increases in its budget continues. But it might not last forever, school officials said.

The Bristol Township School Board at its meeting Wednesday night unanimously approved a 2024-2025 school budget totaling $168.6 million, a 2.29 percent increase over last year’s budget.

There is no increase to the millage rate (220.14 mils.) with the last increase in the 2018-19 school year, school officials said.

The district used $8.1 million from its existing fund balance, which currently stands at $21.9 million, to balance the budget.

During earlier budget discussions, school officials said that future tax increases might be necessary as costs rise and the fund balance decreases.

District Business Manager John Scavelli outlined several areas where costs are increasing, including salaries, tuition, curriculum, transportation, and benefits.

Staffing and benefits costs alone make up 60.02 percent of the budget, according to the budget presentation.

The budget breakdown is as follows:

• Base Salaries & Employee Benefits —$ 101,220,120 (60.02 percent)
• Tuition - BCTHS, Charter, SE, Other —$22,131,917 (13.12 percent)
• Pupil/Health Services and Special Education —$14,372,747 (8.52 percent)
• Debt Service Payments —$12,363,184 (7.33 percent)
• Transportation & Operations —$10,174,670 (6.03 percent)
• Curriculum and Other Student Activities —$4,699,874 (2.80 percent)
• Other Administrative Costs —$2,768,085 (1.64 percent)
• Other Grant Activities and Capital Projects —$906,154 (0.54 percent)

During a preliminary budget presentation, school officials outlined its goals for the coming year:

• Enhanced focus on student achievement and student social-emotional wellness
• Continue to absorb initiatives as expanded federal funding ends
• Implementation of the 2024-27 Comprehensive Plan
• Implementation of the 2024-27 Professional Development Plan
• Implementation of the 2024-27 Induction Plan (Mentoring)
• Maintain staffing positions to support initiatives
• Additional staffing for Elementary Instruction
• Additional staffing for Special Education
• Continue Cyber and Summer programs
• Continue classroom technology upgrades
• Create/continue routine replacement cycles
• Create/continue preventative maintenance
• No tax increase