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Pelham board hears early budget briefing; members urge tax-cap compliance amid rising costs
Summary
During the Oct. 21 meeting the Pelham Union Free School District finance discussion highlighted rising costs in special education, transportation and employee benefits, a projected drawdown of reserves and a recommendation from the finance committee that the coming budget remain tax-cap compliant while preserving programming where possible.
The Pelham Union Free School District Board of Education received an early briefing on district finances and budget planning during its Oct. 21 meeting, with administration and finance committee members urging prudence and tax-cap compliance in the 2026–27 budget amid rising program costs.
Finance staff presented early data showing long-term cost pressures, including sustained increases in special education spending, transportation costs and employee benefit expenses. Presenters said the district’s transportation budget has grown from under $1 million a decade ago to more than $2 million annually and that medical insurance costs have ticked up sharply in the last two to three years.
“Need has increased over the years,” the finance presentation said, showing a rise in student need factors — economically disadvantaged students, students with disabilities and English…
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