Scotia‑Glenville presents 2025–26 budget to voters after board adoption; 5.09% levy proposed

Superintendent Schwartz and Business Manager Drew Giacinto presented the Scotia‑Glenville Central School District’s proposed 2025–26 budget at a public budget presentation, telling residents the board adopted the budget on March 31 and will submit it to voters on May 20. The district’s proposed levy increase is 5.09%; the presenters estimated that translates to about a 3.44% tax rate increase because assessed values in the district are expected to rise.

The presentation described why the levy increase is necessary and how the district reduced the initial budget gap. The district started with a first draft on Feb. 10 that projected a $4.1 million (6.33%) spending increase and a $630,000 (2.54%) state aid increase, leaving a roughly $2.9 million gap to reach the tax cap. After about 10 weeks of review, the board approved a proposal that lowers the spending increase to 3.14% and retains core programs, athletics, fine arts, clubs and after‑school busing by using attrition and not filling some vacancies.

"We're very proud of this budget," Superintendent Schwartz said, noting the board and administration worked to close the roughly $2.8–$2.9 million difference and maintain staff and programs. Business Manager Drew Giacinto outlined the arithmetic behind the draft and the final proposal, saying the district…