Strategic cuts and revenue boost keep spending and tax increases within cap limits
Significant developments from the March 16 budget workshop show that the superintendent’s recommended budget for the 2026-27 fiscal year successfully closes the $2.7 million gap to the tax cap. This is achieved through staffing and non-personnel reductions, along with increased revenue. The $67.16 million proposal includes a spending increase of less than 1% and a tax levy increase of 1.78%, both within the established cap.
Despite the reduction of 32.61 positions, approximately half of which were unfilled, there are no cuts to student instructional programs, services, or extracurricular activities. The proposal also includes funding for two full-time school resource officers: one in collaboration with the Town of Glenville and the other through the Village of Scotia Police Department.
The district is committed to transparency and plans to address community concerns regarding the budget and state mandates, such as the electric vehicle infrastructure project.
Proposal at a Glance
Total spending limit: $67,155,932, reflecting less than a 1% spending increase.
Tax levy increase: Limited to 1.78%, the maximum allowable under the tax cap, ensuring only a 50% majority vote is required for approval.
Tax impact: A projected tax rate increase of 2.54% is expected, leading to an estimated additional cost of around $101 for a home valued at $160,000 and $127 for a home priced at $200,000.
Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Upgrade Project:
- A proposal for upgrading electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure will be presented to voters on Tuesday, May 19, alongside the budget proposal.
- No immediate increase to local taxpayers due to building aid, transportation aid, and repair reserve.
Staff reductions:
- Total of 32.61 positions reduced, with about half being unfilled or outsourced positions.
- Net impact: 17.75 filled positions eliminated.
- Roles affected include an administrator, a guidance counselor, teachers, teaching assistants, aides, door monitors, secretaries, a general mechanic, a custodian, and cleaners.
Expense reductions: $2.6 million in expenditure cuts, including $2.3 million in staffing reductions and $325,000 in non-personnel reductions.
Revenue increase: $130,000 from additional classroom rentals to BOCES and federal subsidies for retiree drug coverage.
Programs and services preserved:
- Instructional programs from kindergarten through 12th grade, including electives, Advanced Placement, and career/technical opportunities.
- Guidance counselors, psychologists, social workers, and reading specialists at all levels.
- Family and child counseling partnerships.
- Full-time nurses in each school, with one floating nurse.
- Libraries, reading specialists, academic intervention, student clubs, musical groups, drama productions, and sports programs.
- Summer school, extended school year, and Learning Leaps programs.
- Field trips, late buses, and facilities open to outside groups.
Board feedback and concerns:
- The board expressed concerns about the impact of staff reductions, particularly door monitors and other positions, and requested more information on how these changes would affect operations.
- The board emphasized the importance of communicating the budget details clearly to the community, especially regarding mandates like the electric vehicle infrastructure project.
Community considerations:
- The budget does not require a supermajority vote to pass because it stays within the tax levy limit.
- Despite significant reductions, no programs or services for students were cut.
- The district is committed to transparency and plans to provide additional information and forums to address community concerns and questions.