The BASD School board passed the 2014-15 budgets for Bethlehem Area Vocational Technical School, Colonial Intermediate Unit 20, and Northampton Community College during the March 24 meeting at East Hills MS.

Dr. Charlene Brennan presented the CIU 20's budget to the board at the March 17 meeting at the Education Center. The estimated contribution for the BASD is 102,547.

"The largest line item is legal services, when negotiations end it will be taken out and be a savings to you," said Brennan.

Mr. Brian Williams also presented the budget for the Bethlehem Area Vo-tech School March 17. During his presentation he highlighted new programs, a need for more seats and several capital projects the school hopes to complete to renovate the building and make room for new programs and more students. There is an increase in the school's budget this year of 5.2 percent. The board approved the school's general operating budget of $10,835,562 with the BASD contributing $6,033,012.

Some of the capital projects are expanding the welding shop, renovations to the C wing, renovations to the front office and lobby. Several new health programs are set to start as well. Williams said there is a need for seats and the growth in the budget isn't matching the growth in population.

The Northampton Community College proposed 2014-15 budget was presented at the Jan. 13 meeting by Dr. Mark Erickson, and the information was reviewed by the board at the March 17 meeting.

BASD's contribution shows an increase of 3.7 percent for the 2014-15 school year. The BASD contribution to the college will be $2,294,708. They also approved a general operating budget for the college of $68,401,758.

BASD also approved the purchase of a new software called Naviance which will help students with their college search and applications. The agreement is for five years starting the 2014-15 school year at a cost of $16,694 per year.