November’s finance and human resource committees echoed familiar themes that were heard at the curriculum and facilities committees’ meetings. All committees try to prepare for the 2025-26 budget despite operating without a finalized state budget.

Chief Finance Officer Harry Aristakesian presented current financial trends, historical analysis and projections based on the current financial situation. As of October 2025, the impact of the budget impasse suggests over $33 Million of funding has been delayed, resulting in a loss of around $335,000 in potential interest earnings. By December the loss of funding, without an approved budget, can be more than $51 million funding and a loss of around $530,000 in potential interest earnings. The district will continue to utilize unassigned fund balances to maintain operations.

Board President Michael Fascinetto expressed concern regarding being able to maintain the high standards within the district. “Last week’s committees, and now this week’s committees, show projections that should be viewed as a wake-up call for the district.”

The largest expenditures for the district are salaries (37 percent) and benefits (25 percent). Adjusting class sizes and teacher ratio is one way to control increased taxes but could potentially affect educational outcomes.

As of the morning of Nov. 12, Harrisburg lawmakers approved the $50.1 billion budget to fund public schools and social services. Although it wasn’t what the governor originally asked for in his budget proposal, this will increase funding for basic education across the state. Bethlehem Area School District is set to receive an increase of $886,216 in basic education funds. Governor Josh Shapiro was expected to sign the legislation by the end of the day.