[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},"mediaId",6276001,"mediaKeyId","2767323-bb3c86eee9ed4ecd5e443ce9c2b148a3","parentId",2767323,"title","Board debates 2025-26 budget, administration recommends 2.5% tax levy as UPK demand rises","audioSeconds",6091,"startMs",2498000,"endMs",8589000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2767323-bb3c86eee9ed4ecd5e443ce9c2b148a3&start=2498&end=8589","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2767323-bb3c86eee9ed4ecd5e443ce9c2b148a3/thumbnail_2498000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6276001/New-York/Board-debates-2025-26-budget-administration-recommends-25-tax-levy-as-UPK-demand-rises","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6276001-4724b0364d17adeec43ae0982a03cb14/orig.mp4?Expires=1773711705&Signature=NqDnrIl9raBvYL-prEoC7Ccoc-~vUvI81WxEFotVArlFS6~X26YU5oS7BmpgbUxAU5HFxDfI4QhPEAdRNZ~hJPxTMkxuT-NQDAB~shfzNZtU9PKRq4Jymij5hDo2nb2XuXxMjfJXOmyUfiL-~XWHZP~ohDuv9I6MqLeXusW1bKkCjv1gyC6H2viilBszYtfkl8h5OLlWWHEZSID83FJ6DJhF5KJqEC~Za~bq52FXz2R7HklhlvVNfCHpIE8Rg-deXRqD~GdGwQ5o8sJDWR8z3mTCyS7z0ASVJAFbJ7CCVT~ts3cBil2nE8J-wacotOpGvdsVAk29jLP5mii4KvKgjA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","","date","2025-03-26T00:37:08.413Z","article","The Cornwall Central School District Board of Education on March 24 debated a $92.72 million recommended budget for 2025–26 and a proposed 2.5% property tax levy that administration says preserves current programs and avoids staff cuts.

Administration’s recommended budget and why it matters

Assistant Superintendent for Business Mr. Fink presented the recommended expenditures and revenues, saying the recommended budget totals $92,721,136 and includes a proposed 2.5% tax levy. Mr. Fink said the plan “will not cut staff, okay, and we will not excise, excess staff,” and that the recommendation relies on a combination of state aid, miscellaneous revenue and about $2.3 million of assigned fund balance to balance the books.

The nut graf: what the board must decide

The board must decide whether to present the administration’s recommendation to voters or to change the levy or draw further on the district’s assigned fund balance. The discussion focused on whether to add items from a district “needs assessment” — which includes positions such as guidance and early-intervention staff, safety monitors and additional universal prekindergarten (UPK) seats — and how to pay for them.

Most-discussed items and budget mechanics

Superintendent Terry Dade reviewed the district’s recent UPK expansions and described practical limits that come with the state’s lottery-based UPK system: \"UPK for all is a very nice headline,\" Dade said, adding that without vouchers or bringing the program in-house the lottery and provider capacity make universal coverage difficult. He told the board the district has increased UPK seats from 58 in 2022 to 98 for 2024–25, and that applications had grown to 144 for the coming year, with many families declining offered seats for preference reasons.

Mr. Fink laid out options tied to state aid outcomes: if the district receives more state aid than projected, it could reduce the levy, use less fund balance, or expand programs; if state aid is less than projected the district could increase the levy (up to the allowable maximum) or increase reliance on fund balance.

What the board signaled it would add

Board members reached consensus to include, as near-term additions to the recommended budget, a modest increase in substitute-teacher pay and to pursue staffing changes to address building needs. Mr. Fink confirmed the administration’s recommended budget did not include the larger needs-assessment items but could be adjusted if the board chose to fund them.

UPK seats: 10 or 20?

Board discussion split on whether to add 10 or 20 more UPK seats. Several board members argued for more seats to meet demonstrated demand; others worried that lottery declines and twins/sibling placement rules mean the district might pay for seats that providers could not fill. Superintendent Dade noted provider capacity constraints and explained providers calculate enrollment and rates assuming a set number of district seats.

Contingency budget and risk

Mr. Fink explained the consequences if voters reject the budget: the board could resubmit a revised budget or ultimately be required to adopt a contingent budget, which limits spending categories and can eliminate some field trips and nonreimbursed outside use of facilities. He cautioned the board that a contingent budget imposes hard constraints.

Board direction on financing approach

Board members expressed a mix of preferences on financing the additions under discussion. Some favored lowering the levy to about 1.9% and using more assigned fund balance; others preferred keeping the levy at 2.5% or using a mix of a slightly higher levy and modest use of fund balance. Several members said they would support a smaller UPK expansion (10 seats) rather than 20 if that eased budget risk.

Ending

The board asked administration to return with updated calculations showing cost and levy impacts for specific combinations of additions (UPK seats, safety monitors, guidance chair and substitute pay) so the board can finalize a budget package at a future meeting. Mr. Fink said state aid numbers are expected in early April, which could change available options.

Quotes

\"UPK for all is a very nice headline,\" Superintendent Terry Dade said, summarizing the operational limits created by the lottery system and provider capacity.

\"We will not cut staff, okay, and we will not excise, excess staff,\" Assistant Superintendent Mr. Fink said when presenting the recommended budget.

Provenance

Topic introduction: Mr. Fink’s budget presentation (transcript excerpt: \"Okay, great. Thank you very much... March 24, we're getting through our budget presentation\")

Topic finish: Board motion to direct updated numbers and next steps (transcript excerpt: \"So I thank you, everybody. It's a long discussion... we will hopefully wrap this up next week.\")","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","CCSD Board of Education Business Meeting on Monday, March 24, 2025 @ 7:00 PM","oneSentenceSummary","The Cornwall Central School District Board of Education on March 24 debated a $92.72 million recommended budget for 2025–26 and a proposed 2.5% property tax levy that administration says preserves current programs and avoids staff cuts.","taxTitle","CORNWALL CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT, School Districts, New York","taxId",60462,"location","New York","headline","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6275991,"Students propose painting senior parking spots as fundraiser, board asks for follow-up",134,113000,247000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2767323-bb3c86eee9ed4ecd5e443ce9c2b148a3&start=113&end=247","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2767323-bb3c86eee9ed4ecd5e443ce9c2b148a3/thumbnail_113000.jpg","/articles/6275991/New-York/Students-propose-painting-senior-parking-spots-as-fundraiser-board-asks-for-follow-up","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6275991-f6e505ca9e60dad903ef11dc449bac2e/orig.mp4?Expires=1773711705&Signature=PaK9ntZB9BnydsebJi5NZgSN6MBpk8U2dEOo7z-M4xIZoBxHzXOu331CxFFXdMzXCpbF1rSVAArpeR6pmuiGAry8ISRCMo3cczDdBZ7~4b4EYPM1YhhibuOyGHWu0E3DgbRPYVPAi3bMCJ7x9KKwfD8u3fFqXZlRaV7Bed6-eScje4xgsTvutpMoczUUhPVn~FnYlIFZ1fmi2RfPEbczqmlqaogLg9mLjIyuxSym40~84goUPYhvC081JHfmI0GvU1izjrkHfN2SY4mzOMg8f-R-OPZDxDN5YDqxG-a9BJyQit1Tyd6ft8PYenBr-ppiaDvZ34EOCmYRz-vXcnmzVA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Three student leaders from Cornwall Central High School presented a proposal during public comment on March 24 asking the board to permit seniors to paint assigned parking spots as a supervised activity and fundraiser.

Lede: who, what, when

Bianca Martelli, a junior and member of student council, joined by Marissa Barnsby, junior class president, and Nicholas Conte, student vice president of the PTSO, told the board the initiative would allow seniors to personalize and paint their parking spots under school supervision and serve as a fundraiser to offset prom costs.

Why the proposal matters

The students said their survey found 96.3% support from next year’s seniors and pointed to nearby districts — Monroe, Woodbury and Goshen — that run similar programs. They emphasized school pride and supervised expression and told the board they would submit each design for administrative approval prior to painting. \"We are here today to propose a senior privilege initiative of painting our parking spots,\" Bianca Martelli said.

Board response and next steps

Board president asked the students for contact information and a copy of their materials; the superintendent and board offered to follow up. No formal vote was taken during the meeting; the item was recorded as public comment and will require any necessary administrative approvals to proceed.

Ending

The board requested the students provide email addresses and materials for follow-up; administration will review designs and confirm whether the practice fits district policy and logistics if the students pursue formal approval.

Quotes

\"We are here today to propose a senior privilege initiative of painting our parking spots,\" said Bianca Martelli, speaking for the group.

Provenance

Topic introduction: student public comment (transcript excerpt: \"Hi, my name is Bianca Martelli and I'm a junior in student council...\")

Topic finish: board asks for contact information and follow-up (transcript excerpt: \"Could I ask 1 of you to grab my copy? Could I get the 3 of your email addresses so I could follow-up with you?\")","Three Cornwall Central High School students asked the board to allow seniors to paint parking spots as a supervised tradition and fundraiser; the board requested their contact information and materials for follow-up.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6275997,"Board approves consent agenda and second‑reading policy bundle after debate over minutes and vacancy rule",956,1440000,2396000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2767323-bb3c86eee9ed4ecd5e443ce9c2b148a3&start=1440&end=2396","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2767323-bb3c86eee9ed4ecd5e443ce9c2b148a3/thumbnail_1440000.jpg","/articles/6275997/New-York/Board-approves-consent-agenda-and-secondreading-policy-bundle-after-debate-over-minutes-and-vacancy-rule","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6275997-21131103646106ac62434af68f31962e/orig.mp4?Expires=1773711705&Signature=IUdKEXmz5D6nFtmKmjxn5mmu9Mku2Bg4TtpFNqMFpmSdbctAks7fmZ4BtRRQZV1GvZdftrOA~~R7cKSlFVTam0b4Atr6JRVEy5qG6gNRCuUnNCVKeUal-DO~YO~FX~9yFgH3P-bUi78dEv7Vt3HKyYNjPFgPkOBdpKHTcpJHn-EJo-yhx63mgnLZKjbDU61qTEytOlcwl~4asnfTcjsc725gEsVjgql3fIgWN~LySulf2w5HuRJCee2SFN7iAkc08LQK7lcAW0JSvTgg8~LZYP8AtM2ypbT8s23D3OdvYhaL7vV8qlvUHRkOXeNlxl51DBc8n5KQb-U7HKiPksNyNA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Cornwall Central School District Board of Education on March 24 used a consent agenda to approve routine items, and after discussion approved several policies on second reading while members requested changes or further committee review for specific policy language.

What passed and why it mattered

The board moved and carried a single-motion consent package for routine business. During roll call and discussion members pulled items for separate consideration, and votes were taken on the pulled items. Board members specifically asked staff to correct the spelling of a National Merit finalist in the minutes and to reflect that change before approving the minutes.

Policy debate on naming individuals and vacancy procedure

Board members discussed policy 03:10 (board self-evaluation), policy 111 (Title IX — Discrimination and Harassment) and policy 2,150 (filling board vacancies). Some members asked that policies avoid naming individuals and instead reference roles so documents remain evergreen; one member asked legal counsel whether naming coordinators is required by law. Regarding policy 2,150, board members discussed language clarifying the role of the supervisory district (BOCES) superintendent who may fill a vacancy after 90 days if the board does not act; several members said the revised language merely restated state law and requested a fuller committee review before final adoption.

Votes and outcomes

On the consent agenda the board approved items 3 through 6 by voice vote.

Item 2 (approval of minutes) was amended for a corrected student name and then approved by voice vote.

Policy bundle (item 7) was approved on second reading with recorded opposition and an abstention. A board member objected to the policy’s adoption without further committee review; the meeting record shows the chair announcing a tally with \"7 ayes, 1 no, 1 abstention.\" The record later contains a separate roll-call clarification but the board chair announced that the motion carried.

Calendar change to meet state timeline

The board approved moving the district’s first May meeting from Monday, May 5 to Tuesday, May 6 so the public budget hearing aligns with state deadlines for the budget vote schedule.

Ending

Board members asked staff and the policy committee to follow up on specific edits (spelling corrections in the minutes and the evergreen naming of roles vs. individuals in policies) and to bring any revised language back through the policy committee before final adoption of related changes.

Quotes

\"Can I have a motion?\" Board president Jim said as the board opened the consent agenda process.

\"Let's take a vote on items... items 3 through 6. All in favor?\" the president asked; the minutes record a general voice vote carrying those items.

Provenance

Topic introduction: public comment and consent-agenda explanation (transcript excerpt: \"Our first order of business is public comment... The next item on our agenda is the consent agenda...\")

Topic finish: calendar change and moving into the budget presentation (transcript excerpt: \"So that takes us to the end of our consent agenda and moves us to, next budget presentation from our assistant superintendent of business. Mr. Fink.\")","The board adopted routine consent items and a set of policies on second reading after members discussed corrected minutes, the handling of board vacancies and whether policies should name individuals. One calendar change (May meeting moved from Monday to Tuesday) was approved to meet state budget‑hearing deadlines.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Board debates 2025-26 budget, administration recommends 2.5% tax levy as UPK demand rises

Students propose painting senior parking spots as fundraiser, board asks for follow-up

Board approves consent agenda and second‑reading policy bundle after debate over minutes and vacancy rule