Pennsbury School Board approves $263.7M budget amid taxpayer criticism – Bucks Round-Up – June 30, 2025
Pennsbury School Board approves $263.7M budget amid taxpayer criticism
The Pennsbury School Board approved a $263.7 million budget for the upcoming fiscal year, setting the average tax increase at $227 for district homeowners. While the board cited rising special education costs — up from $1 million to $12.1 million — as a key driver, some residents expressed frustration over the district’s broader spending priorities.
Lower Makefield resident Elen Barth spoke during the public comment session, questioning the district’s financial discipline. “I know what I can afford — and I know the difference between wants and needs,” she said, recalling a statement from a board member two years ago forecasting multi-year tax hikes without offering specifics.
Barth voiced concerns over new advanced placement courses and stadium expenditures while criticizing the district’s failure to balance its budget. “When this board is spending $263 million of taxpayer money and they can’t balance their budget, I think every member of the public has a right and responsibility to scrutinize — and yes, criticize,” she said.
The budget passed despite the pushback, highlighting ongoing tensions between district leadership and residents over fiscal priorities.
Woman gets up to two years for stealing from Lower Southampton law firm
A Northampton Township woman has been sentenced for stealing more than $800,000 from a Lower Southampton law firm over six years. Reese Esther Paul, 66, pleaded guilty in March to orchestrating an embezzlement scheme that ran from December 2017 to December 2023. On June 26, she was sentenced to serve up to two years in the Bucks County Correctional Facility, followed by five years of probation.
President Judge Raymond F. McHugh also ordered Paul to pay $839,816.41 in restitution. At sentencing, she provided a $100,000 payment but has yet to make meaningful efforts to repay the remainder. Chief Deputy District Attorney Marc Furber noted Paul’s lack of asset liquidation as concerning.
Northampton officials praise first responders after storm damage
Following severe weather that downed power lines across Northampton Township, Board of Supervisors Chair Adam Selisker publicly thanked emergency personnel for their response. Selisker praised the township’s police, fire, EMS, and public works departments for their efforts during the storm.
He urged residents to have emergency plans ready and to check in on elderly neighbors, especially those reliant on air conditioning or oxygen. More thunderstorms are expected in the week ahead.
Joe LeCompte hosts LeCompte in the Morning on WBCB 1490.
