Board hears 2025–26 budget proposal; board approves consensus items and consulting services for capital project financing

The Gates Chili Board of Education received a detailed 2025–26 budget presentation on March 25 from Mitch Baldy, assistant superintendent for business, and then approved several unanimous motions, including consulting services for the district’s $88 million capital project financing.

Baldy outlined a proposed overall spending increase of 4.85% driven by pension and salary costs, a 14% rise in health‑insurance rates (offset in part by new hires on high‑deductible plans), and increased transportation and operations costs. He said about $7.3 million of the increase is associated with payroll and benefit categories, though savings in other areas reduce the net impact.

Baldy described three budget components required under New York regulations: administrative, programmatic (instructional) and capital. He said the…