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Hyde Park presents rollover budget as starting point; board to review requests and state aid next
Summary
District leaders presented a rollover budget that would increase next year's spending by 3.68% if current programs and staffing continue; the administration will vet new requests through a rubric aligned to the strategic plan and expects final state aid numbers in March/April.
Superintendent and finance staff presented the district's rollover budget on Jan. 23 as the baseline for 2025'026 budget planning. The rollover shows the cost of maintaining current programs and staffing, with two primary automatic changes: contractual salary-step increases and an assumed 8% rise in health insurance costs.
Key figures and context
The 2024'025 budget was approximately $120.9 million. The preliminary rollover projection increases that figure to about $125.4 million, a 3.68% rise, driven largely by salary step movement and higher insurance projections. The presentation stressed that the rollover is a starting point and not a final recommendation.
Drivers and timing
Finance staff said major budget drivers include the governor's proposed foundation-aid adjustments (the governor proposed a 2% increase), TRS and ERS pension rates (payroll-related pension contributions), rising health insurance costs, and Dutchess BOCES service costs. The administration explained the state aid number in the governor's budget is a proposal and the legislature may change it; final figures are typically clear by March or April.
Process and prioritization
To vet new requests, the leadership team is using a rubric linked to the district's strategic plan (student experience, staff quality, equity, sustainability and data-driven outcomes). Each new item will be rated for alignment and an explanation provided to the board. The superintendent described plans to present additional budget updates at subsequent board meetings, with key milestones including a board adoption in late April and the voter school budget election in May.
Ending: next steps
Finance staff said they will update the board with final state aid numbers when available, report on the results of administrative budget requests using the strategic alignment rubric, and return with a recommended preliminary budget for board review and adoption ahead of the May vote.
