A dramatic school board meeting, students walkout to protest ICE, and a mayoral disaster declaration ahead of a winter storm defined a tense week in Bensalem. Budget decisions advanced, law enforcement activity continued, and local government prepared for severe weather — all while civic debate intensified.
Here’s everything that happened February 15–21.
The Big Stories
School Board Adopts Preliminary Budget After Meeting Disrupted by Administrative Error
Bensalem Schools | Property Taxes | Act 1 Exceptions
One of the most consequential meetings of the year did not go smoothly.
- School Board Adopts Preliminary Budget After Stunning Administrative Error Upends Meeting detailed how a bombshell announcement complicated the adoption of the preliminary 2026–27 budget and the path forward through this crisis.
- Board to Consider Preliminary 2026–27 Budget, Act 1 Exceptions Preview outlined the tax implications and potential Act 1 exceptions before the vote.
The vote moves the district one step closer to setting next year’s tax rate and potentially painful cuts — and keeps pressure on ongoing charter funding debates.
Student Walkouts Over ICE Spark Debate Across Township
Bensalem High School | Student Activism | Public Safety
What began as a planned student walkout turned into one of the week’s most closely watched stories.
- Bensalem High Students Walk Out Over ICE, March Through Township reported that 30–40 students left campus and marched through the area peacefully, with support from some residents.
- BHS Students Divided on How to Protest Tuesday as Security Concerns Mount previewed tensions before the event.
- BHS Principal Per Responds to Student Walkout: “Mutual Respect Must Always Remain Our Standard” shared the administration’s formal response.
The protest tied local schools to broader immigration debates unfolding across Bucks County.
Mayor Declares Disaster Emergency Ahead of Winter Storm
Township Government | Emergency Management
With a significant winter storm forecasted, Bensalem moved early.
- Bensalem Mayor Declares Disaster Emergency Ahead of Sunday’s Storm outlined the proactive declaration aimed at speeding response and securing resources if needed.
Residents were urged to monitor forecasts and prepare for potential impacts.
Government & Regional Developments
- Bucks County Commissioners Unanimously Oppose ICE Detention Centers in County placed the Bensalem student protest in a broader county-level policy debate.
- Bensalem Township Council Meeting Feb 23rd – Preview highlighted escrow releases and an auditor appointment on the upcoming agenda. Admittedly, this meeting will probably be cancelled due to snow storm.
Public Safety
- New Jersey Man Arrested in Bensalem Online Predator Sting detailed a targeted law enforcement operation focused on online exploitation.
Schools & Community Highlights
Even amid controversy, there were positive stories.
- Bensalem Students of the Month – January recognized standout students across the district.
- Bensalem High Musician Hits a High Note at Districts! spotlights a BHS star.
- WMGK Battle of the Bands (Finale) – Feb 25th announced the Grand Finale for the 2026 MGK Battle of the Bands at Parx 360.
The Big Picture
This week connected three major threads:
- School budget decisions with real tax implications
- Student activism intersecting with immigration policy
- Emergency planning ahead of severe weather
Bensalem continues to sit at the crossroads of local governance and national issues — and the conversations are only intensifying as spring budget season approaches.
