East Ramapo presents 2025–26 budget that holds tax levy flat while funding staff and repairs

Interim Superintendent Anthony DeCaul and Assistant Superintendent for Business Eric Stark presented the East Ramapo Central School District’s proposed 2025–26 budget at a board meeting, saying the draft holds the property tax levy flat while increasing the overall spending plan to address staffing and facility needs.

DeCaul said the budget “really looks at investing in the future of our students,” and framed the proposal as a multi-year strategy rather than a one-year plan. He told the board the district is prioritizing instructional supports, social‑emotional services and targeted building repairs.

The administration said the draft revenue budget relies on a large state aid increase that allows the district to avoid raising the levy. "We are keeping the tax levy, flat at 0% increase," Eric Stark said, explaining that the state provided roughly $16.19 million in additional aid for the district overall, including about $12.8 million tied to Foundation Aid increases. Stark said the…