Beekmantown budget proposal counts on state aid, raises tax levy to 3.85% and adds two teaching positions

Beekmantown Central School District officials on March 11 presented a near-final budget for the 2025–26 school year that assumes about $27 million in state aid, a tax levy increase of 3.85 percent (an increase of $932,315 to a levy of $25,125,692) and a set of line items to address staffing, transportation and pilot programs.

School business manager Jen Holliman told the board the district is still awaiting action on the New York State budget; once that is finalized the revenue side of the district budget will be final. "The 1 thing that we're still waiting is the final state budget," Holliman said during the presentation. "Once the state budget is approved and finalized, that would be our final number on the revenue side."

Why it matters: the district's proposal relies on the state aid estimate and the tax levy to fund operations while maintaining reserves and avoiding large year-to-year spikes for taxpayers. Holliman said property taxes will supply about 44 percent of next year—s revenues and state aid about 51 percent. The presentation outlined an anticipated $2,000,000 appropriated fund balance (down roughly 18 percent from the current year) and an appropriated reserve (debt service) of $300,000 that Holliman said will be drawn down over the next several years.

Major budget assumptions and proposed additions

- State aid: Holliman said the district—s working figure for state aid is about $27,000,000 but cautioned the legislature—s final actions could change that number. She noted the governor—s budget proposal included favorable adjustments that had the…