RCS board approves $56.96 million 2025-26 budget to send to voters; security upgrades, three micro‑buses and an EV van also proposed

The Ravena‑Coeymans‑Selkirk Central School District Board of Education approved a $56,959,448 spending plan for 2025‑26 and voted to send it to voters on May 20, the board confirmed at its May 12 meeting.

Jesse, a district staff presenter, told the board the proposal represents a roughly $2.3 million (4.36%) increase over the current year and attributed much of the rise to contract obligations and insurance costs. The district plans a 3.56% tax‑levy increase, “a little bit over $29,000,000,” Jesse said, and estimated state aid at about $21,000,000, including a roughly $1.6 million increase in foundation aid.

The budget’s expense mix is predominantly instructional: Jesse said about 77% of spending funds programs and teachers, 15% goes to capital and debt service, and the remainder covers administration and other costs. The plan reduces use of fund balance from 2.5 (last year) to 2.3 (this year), Jesse said, and the district is pursuing grants and other revenue to help close gaps. Board President Mike Dio reiterated the board’s unanimous support, saying, “I just wanna clarify that the board has approved the proposed budget that is going out for vote.”

Why it matters: If approved by voters, the budget would set district spending and the local tax levy for 2025‑26; if voters reject it, the district may hold a revote in June and, if defeated again, must implement a contingent budget that limits spending. Jesse outlined items that may be cut under a contingent plan: no tax levy increase, no equipment purchases, mandatory fees for public use of buildings, bans on raises for certain noninstructional employees and no rental of office equipment.

Key ballot propositions and items described during the presentation include: - A security capital project “a little over $2,000,000” to finish security work across district buildings: additional electrified door hardware, security window film for vestibules, panic hardware and upgraded speakers to aid lockdown announcements. Jesse said the district plans to use about $740,000 from the district’s capital reserve; if allowed under state aid rules, that portion would create no tax impact. The project would complete work started in the district’s ongoing instructional‑space construction. - Transportation purchases: three smaller “micro‑bird” buses for low‑ridership routes and one Ford Transit battery‑electric vehicle fitted for trips with few passengers. The plan includes charging infrastructure at the transportation facility. Jesse said the district is discussing possible grant funding with NYSERDA; if grants reduce costs, the district would borrow less than the ballot maximum.

What was asked and not known: Several board members asked whether legislative changes to the state budget could increase the district’s state aid; Jesse said the district used the legislative number for foundation aid and that final numbers remain uncertain until Albany finishes action. The district also noted it is pursuing grant funding for the electric van but that award decisions are not yet final.

Process and next steps: The board approved the proposed budget to go to a public vote May 20. If voters approve, the budget becomes the district’s spending plan for next year. If voters reject it, the district may return for a revote in June; a second defeat would force implementation of a contingent budget with the limits Jesse described.

Ending: Jesse encouraged community members to call or email with questions and asked residents to vote May 20. The district said detailed budget documents and estimated homeowner tax‑impact tables will be finalized after town assessment data are available.