Maine‑Endwell budget workshop recommends 2.09% levy, proposes staffing and capital fixes amid state-aid uncertainty

Maine‑Endwell Central School District held its second budget workshop in March to review the preliminary 2025–26 spending plan and several proposed enhancements, including a recommended 2.09% tax levy, staffing additions, and funding to cover an unexpected $1.8 million shortfall in state building aid for a classroom addition.

The workshop, led by Jason Van Pusen (budget presenter) with consultant Cynthia Wambold (CVO) assisting, emphasized the district’s reliance on state aid and long‑range projections that show small deficits beginning in 2027–28 and a larger gap — roughly $3 million — in 2028–29 if current assumptions hold. “The third rail is New York State,” Van Pusen said, stressing that state funding is the largest variable in the district’s projections. He added, “We identified $1,800,000 in less building aid,” referring to the four‑classroom addition at Maine Memorial that the State Education Department will partially aid.

Nut graf: The draft $76 million‑range budget presented by staff would maintain current programming while adding targeted positions and program lines. The board and staff discussed tradeoffs — including whether to use projected surplus, capital reserves (which require voter authorization), or a smaller project scope — and whether to set the tax levy at the staff‑recommended 2.09% or a lower alternative (1.5% was discussed).

Long‑range finances and reserves

Staff showed long‑range projections that assume conservative Foundation Aid growth and noted that enrollment in the district has been stable, unlike declines seen in other nearby districts. The district’s reserves are currently described as “in good shape,” and staff said a new 10‑year, $10,000,000 capital reserve resolution will be placed before voters; staff reported that the district’s 2016 reserve language is “aging out” and needs replacement. Van Pusen said decisions made now and over the next three budget cycles will materially affect whether the projected 2028–29 deficit materializes.

Capital project and the $1.8 million aid gap

Construction planned this summer for a four‑classroom addition to Maine Memorial will be aided by the state for only 1.5 classrooms rather than all four, staff said, producing an identified $1.8 million reduction in building aid. Staff presented four options previously discussed: cut scope, ask taxpayers for more funds, use capital reserves (which requires voter approval), or apply projected surplus funds to cover the shortfall. The recommendation on the table is to include the $1.8 million in the preliminary spending plan as a transparent line item and, if necessary, draw on reserves later for unforeseen needs.

Staffing and program enhancements

Staff proposed hiring two faculty positions for 2025–26: an elementary teacher at Maine Memorial to allow four sections per grade there and a full‑time world language hire to stabilize middle/high‑school language offerings. Van Pusen and other staff described a sharp rise in high‑school Spanish enrollment and the need to preserve levels 4 and 5 and seventh‑grade language options. Van Pusen said the district has cycled through language hires and is at a crossroads: without additional staff the district would risk reducing upper‑level language offerings or eliminating seventh‑grade language.

The budget draft also showed a requested but not‑budgeted music expansion from Music Department chair Jackie Kovacs: staff presented a proposal that would add positions aimed at strengthening elementary instrumental lessons and high‑school support. Board members and staff discussed sustainability concerns for programs that can be expanded in good years and cut later in lean years. Staff suggested meeting with the music department to model the impact of hiring one position instead of two to find a more sustainable path before finalizing the spending plan.

Other items and partnerships

Staff proposed a modest line for “emerging needs” to allow flexibility for mid‑year hires or maintenance recommendations that may arise from an upcoming custodial/maintenance audit. The district also previewed a new partnership with Broome County Emergency Services to offer an EMT certification pathway to seniors; county staff will provide an instructor and many expenses, and the district budget would include an incidental $10,000 placeholder. Additional smaller proposals included expanding high‑school art offerings (portfolio/AP‑level work), a graphic‑design internship with a vendor (Pen and Pixel), enrichment materials at elementary schools and continued PLC/professional development work through BOCES.

Tax levy recommendation and board reaction

Staff recommended a 2.09% tax levy; board members discussed lower scenarios (including a 1.5% levy) and whether to pursue a lower number for optics and taxpayer relief. Several board members voiced support for the staff recommendation while others said they would be comfortable at 1.5%. No formal levy resolution or vote was recorded in the transcript of the workshop; staff asked the board to lock decisions by the April 16 spending‑plan adoption so hiring and public materials can proceed on schedule.

Buses and capital planning

Staff reminded the board that a separate bus proposition would include two additional buses and noted state rules that affect diesel purchases after 2027; staff described this as a strategic purchase tied to the district’s longer term vehicle‑replacement planning. The bus item was discussed as a separate proposition to voters.

What’s next

Staff asked the board to approve a spending plan on April 16 so personnel decisions can be made and public budget materials prepared for the required hearing and subsequent budget vote. Staff cautioned that the long‑range deficit estimate is driven by conservative aid assumptions and that future state funding or other changes could narrow or widen the projection.

Ending: The workshop concluded with staff and board members agreeing to further analysis on selected items (music staffing scenarios, language‑staffing details, and the EMT program) and a plan to return with final recommendations at the next scheduled meeting.