Bensalem Schools Set Budget Hearings

It's that time of year again when school districts begin thinking about their budgets.

On Dec. 17, the Bensalem Township school board approved dates for its 2011-12 public budget meetings.

With six elementary schools, two middle schools and a high school educating over 6,000 students, the Bensalem district had total expenditures in its last budget of more than $117 million.

To better understand how the school district spends its money, the public is invited to attend the following hearings:

On Jan. 11 at 6:30 p.m., a work session will be held to introduce Superintendent William Gretzula's program priorities for 2011-12

On Feb. 9 at 7 p.m., the board will hold a special meeting with intent to adopt the preliminary budget

On March 23 at 6:30 p.m., a work session to discuss choices and priorities vs. uncertain revenues

On April 27 at 7 p.m., a special meeting with intent to adopt the proposed final budget

On May 25 following the 7:30 p.m. action meeting, a work session for a public hearing on the proposed final budget

On June 8 at 7 p.m., a special meeting with intent to adopt the final budget.

School board meetings are held in the , 3000 Donallen Dr. Board meetings are also broadcast live over Comcast Cable channel 28 and Verizon FiOS channel 32, and videotaped for future broadcasting.