Dutchess BOCES projects 4.5% administrative budget increase; Arlington share to rise about $88,000

Matt Metzger, a Dutchess County BOCES representative, told the Arlington Central School District Board of Education that the BOCES administrative budget for 2025–26 shows a 4.5% increase in appropriations and will require a roughly 7.9% increase in the component-district charge. Metzger said the increase is driven in part by higher retiree health insurance costs and enrollment growth across BOCES programs.

Metzger said retiree health insurance is a major driver: “We have about 325 retirees that we need to cover,” and he said the budget blends a 7% assumed rise in health insurance with other costs. He told the board that non‑retiree administrative expenses are projected to rise less than 2% while the retiree-health line pushes the blended increase to about 4.5%.

Why it matters: BOCES administrative charges are split among 13 component districts in Dutchess County; Metzger said Arlington’s component charge will increase by about 7% for 2025–26, equal to approximately $88,000 more than last year. He explained that resident-weighted average daily attendance (RWADA) — the state data point BOCES uses to apportion costs — shifted slightly such that Arlington’s share is a little lower relative to countywide totals than it has been in prior years, even while the dollar charge increases.

Metzger also reviewed BOCES capital and rental charges: the BOCES capital collection will remain roughly $1,000,000 for campus improvements, and local classroom rental charges were listed at $60,000 (down $5,000 this year). He said BOCES expects to “raise a million 60” ($1,060,000) when capital and rental are combined and noted that some services are provided to non‑component districts at higher administrative rates that are folded into the administrative budget.

Metzger described enrollment pressures at the Career & Technical Institute (CTI) and in special and alternative education programs: CTI enrollment is approaching about 700 students; the alternative high school and Salt Point Center enrollments are rising. He said certain CTI classes (nursing assistant, cosmetology, electrical trades, welding) remain among the largest. He added that some costs tied to staff who later retire move from programs to the administrative budget, increasing the administrative-burden share.

BOCES timeline and vote: Metzger reminded the board that component districts will vote on the administrative budget and BOCES board members on April 22. He said the BOCES board of trustees has six members now, with three seats up in their election.

Questions from the board focused on whether trailers for temporary classroom space would require a countywide vote; Metzger said renovation typically does not trigger a county vote but that new construction with foundations or additions does. He also said the cost of trailers would likely be recovered through the service rates billed for the students who use those spaces.

Metzger closed by highlighting that BOCES returned a surplus to districts after closing its books and that the organization generated significant BOCES aid and high‑cost aid for some district services.

Ending: Board members asked follow-up logistical questions. Metzger said detailed budget documents and the April 22 vote timing would be available to component districts.