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Batavia board hears $63 million 2025–26 budget proposal, to use 2.22% tax cap
Summary
Superintendent Smith presented a proposed 2025–26 general fund budget just over $63 million, citing a roughly 5% increase driven by rising health insurance, special-education placement and transportation costs; the board closed the public hearing and will consider the levy at upcoming proceedings.
Superintendent Smith presented the Batavia City School District’s proposed 2025–26 general fund budget, describing a plan just over $63,000,000 and a budget increase of about 5% over the current year. The proposal uses the district’s allowable tax-cap adjustment of 2.22% and lists a corresponding tax levy just over $12,000,000.
Smith said the budget balances program continuity with fiscal restraint, citing key pressures including a roughly 12% increase in health insurance costs and several students who are outplaced in special-education programs. "The goal...is to balance the needs of our students with the needs of our community," Smith said during the presentation.
The plan factors in eight retirements and seeks to preserve extracurriculars, arts and expanded instructional offerings while building a reserve for potential fluctuations in federal grant funding. Smith identified proposed capital outlay items this year that would qualify for state aid—replacement of aging high-school HVAC units and an upgraded front signboard to improve public communications. Finance staff described an interfund contribution to the capital project designed to reduce future borrowing and smooth the tax-cap calculation.
Superintendent Smith told the board, "The budget is balanced," and walked trustees through enrollment, staffing and appropriations detail that place instruction as the largest share of spending. He noted the district is monitoring transportation contract costs and is preparing contingency plans should federal grant revenues change.
At the close of the public hearing, a board member moved to end public comment and proceed with the regular meeting; the motion was seconded and adopted by voice vote. No formal adoption of the budget or final levy was recorded in the public portion of the transcript; those formal actions were presented as next steps for board consideration.
The board provided a printed budget book and posted detailed appropriations online; the superintendent invited questions from the public or trustees prior to upcoming board action and reminded voters that polling for the school election will be open next Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
