Bethlehem Area School District Chief Financial Officer Harry Aristakesian during the Nov. 11 Human Resources Committee meeting outlined the budget timeline suggesting the board opt out of Pa Act 1. Act 1 is used to determine the maximum tax increases that a school district levies. BASD has capped at 4.8 percent.

The Human Resources Committee, represented by Chief Human Resource Officer Dr. John Burrus, presented the 2025-26 Hiring Plan Review. He has requested a Declaration Of Intent from current staff in an effort to anticipate what jobs will need to be filled, in what time frame. Employees planning to retire or take a leave of absence would let the district know what their intention is through the DOI. The district would then place the appropriate ad to fill the vacancies.

The Human Resource Committee is continuing its ongoing review of board policies.