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Board reviews 2025–26 budget; gap about $3.4 million as property tax report card shows 5.5% allowable levy increase
Summary
Board members and staff reviewed the latest 2025–26 budget draft, discussed a roughly $3.4 million gap before reserves, federal grant staffing and Camp Wolverine funding, and agreed to submit the property tax report card showing a 5.5% allowable levy increase to the New York State Comptroller.
The Niagara Falls City School District board reviewed the latest draft of the 2025–26 budget during a Feb. 27 work session and was told the gap before using reserves was about $3.4 million.
Board members were shown adjustments on both the revenue and expense sides. Revenue improvements included an increase in expected tax collection and interest income and a $12,000 reduction in a hardware/textbook/software line, producing roughly $50,000–$60,000 in net additional revenue. On the expenditure side, staff said it was possible to shift about $300,000 of personnel costs onto federal grant funds and that one federal grant that previously covered roughly half a salary is expiring and must be counted against the general fund.
Why this matters: the district must close the remaining gap while preserving full-time employees and key programs, staff said. The presenters emphasized they plan to avoid involuntary staff reductions and that reserves will be used if necessary.
Details and near-term steps - The board was told the…
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