Board reviews revised $92.7 million budget; administration recommends 2.5% tax‑levy and sends capital reserve question to voters

The Cornwall Central School District Board of Education on March 10 reviewed a revised 2025–26 budget of $92,700,000 and heard administration’s recommendation to set the property tax‑levy increase at 2.5 percent.

Administration staff member Mr. Fink presented the figures, saying the district moved from a preliminary $93.4 million to a revised $92.7 million budget and that “we were able to drop down our property tax [levy] to 2.5,” citing teacher retirements, staffing redistribution and other adjustments. Superintendent Terry Sposi said the decision to recommend a lower levy was made by administration and presented to the board: “I directed Mr. Fink to bring the tax levy recommendation down from 3.”

The budget presentation said the district expects 10 teacher retirements this year; five positions will be refilled through the normal hiring process while five others can be addressed through redistribution tied to enrollment or program shifts. State aid figures were listed as pending; administration told the board aid figures typically arrive in April but could be late.

Nut graf: The revised budget and the decision to offer a capital reserve question to voters shape how the district balances near‑term taxpayer impact with long‑term facility and program needs. The board’s choice on the levy and voter approval for reserves will determine how surplus funds are allocated and how capital projects are funded.

Board members debated tradeoffs between a lower tax levy this year and the potential need for larger increases later. Board member Christian argued reducing the levy now could defer costs and magnify future increases, while other board members, including Bass and Bridal, stressed local affordability and historic voter behavior in Cornwall.

The board also approved (by board vote) placing a capital reserve question before voters. The minutes show the motion to send the reserve measure to the ballot passed with six yes votes and one abstention (Mr. Brunelli). Administration explained the measure only establishes the reserve for voter consideration and does not immediately transfer funds; any future transfer of surplus into the reserve would be decided later by the board and, if required by law, by voters. Board materials and counsel note a $5,000,000 maximum for that capital reserve, described by administration as a statutory ceiling tied to district size.

Administrators reiterated the schedule: the board’s last date to adopt a final budget is April 7; the public budget vote is May 20.

Ending: Board discussion will continue at the next work session (March 24) as the administration refines numbers and board members request additional homeowner impact calculations and scenarios for different levy levels.