District business officials presented the proposed 2025–26 budget to the Chappaqua Central School District Board of Education, describing a $3.6 million increase (2.59%) in spending and a proposed tax levy increase of 2.31%. Staff said the proposal is tax-cap compliant.

Presenters (identified in the meeting as Josh and other business office staff) said salaries and benefits represent about 71.26% of the budget and noted contractual salary increases and benefits pressures. The presentation cited debt-service increases tied to recent BANs and an anticipated bond issuance; the district expects higher debt service next year as a result of financing timing but anticipates interest savings when bonds replace BANs in future years.

The presentation reviewed revenue assumptions: modest state aid increases, slightly lower anticipated interest income due to falling market rates, and an intention to appropriate less fund balance to retain reserves. Staff proposed increasing the district’s TRS reserve by $1 million to buffer future retirement cost spikes. Officials also noted that assessed valuation (tax rolls) coming from the towns was still being processed and could lower the tax-rate impact on homeowners even though the levy increase is set at 2.31%.

Voter information was highlighted: the budget vote is scheduled for May 20 (simple majority required). If voters reject the budget, a second vote is scheduled for June 17 or the board may adopt a contingency budget that cannot exceed the prior year’s levy and would restrict certain administrative, program and capital expenditures. The presenters noted the contingency reduction figure of $3,236,003.87 that would be applied under a contingency scenario.

The board held a series of routine votes on minutes, policies, consent agenda items, contracts and a superintendent-approved change order during the meeting; each motion was approved by voice vote as recorded in the minutes. Minutes for March 10 and March 12 were accepted; the trademarks policy (second reading) was adopted; consent agenda items 5.1–5.12 were approved; contracts 6.1–6.5 were acknowledged; and a change order for electrical work (7.1) was acknowledged. The meeting adjourned at 8:32 p.m.

District staff encouraged residents to contact the district clerk (Lisa) for voter information and said business office staff will post detailed budget materials and historical trend lines as requested by board members.