Kenmore-Tonawanda presents $197.9 million 2025-26 budget; voters to decide next week
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Summary
At a May 13 public hearing, Assistant Superintendent Marasco presented a $197,904,919 budget for the Kenmore-Tonawanda Union Free School District, a 3.25% increase driven by employee benefits, instruction and rising debt service. Voters will decide the budget and two propositions, including purchase of buses, at next week’s budget vote.
Assistant Superintendent Marasco presented the Kenmore-Tonawanda Union Free School District’s proposed 2025-26 budget of $197,904,919 at a public hearing Tuesday, May 13, telling the board the plan represents a 3.25% increase, or $6,226,316, over the current year.
The increase is largely driven by employee benefits and instruction, Marasco said, noting “a sharp increase in health insurance costs” and higher contribution rates for the state retirement systems. She also cited increased debt service tied to long-term financing of the 2020 capital project.
Why it matters: the board is asking taxpayers to approve a tax levy increase of 2.03% — $1,943,189 — and voters will also decide two propositions: the operating budget and a transportation purchase plan. Marasco said the district is seeking authorization to acquire up to 10 school buses and similar vehicles, including two electric buses, not to exceed $2,125,000; the district expects about 70% state transportation aid on qualifying purchases.
Marasco said the district’s estimated state aid rose by roughly $4.6 million year over year after the state budget passed, improving the district’s revenue picture and allowing a modest reduction in reliance on appropriated fund balance. She described adjustments the state made to the Foundation Aid formula and noted a two-year waiver tied to the state electric-vehicle mandate; the district is beginning a bus procurement process and will pursue waivers or grants as needed.
The hearing included a short public-comment opportunity. One person, listed on the sign-up sheet as Kathy Spewbeck, was present but did not provide extended comment during the hearing. The district urged residents eligible to vote to come to Hoover Middle School during the scheduled vote next week and noted poll hours and locations are available on the district website; Marasco said district staff and the clerk would be at Hoover’s gym starting at 7 a.m. on the vote day.
No formal vote to adopt the budget occurred at the hearing; the hearing was informational and part of the legal process before the budget vote at the polls.
District context: Marasco said the three largest spending categories remain instruction, employee benefits, and debt service, and she described capital outlay and the three-part (administrative, program and capital) budget breakdown. She also noted the district’s historical average budget increase since 2016–17 is about 2.47% and that estimated tax rates are affected by local equalization and assessment appeals.
Next steps: the budget and the transportation proposition will be on the public ballot next week; if voters do not approve the budget, the district could put the budget back to voters or adopt a contingent budget as allowed by state law.
