Somers Central outlines $2.1M non‑instructional budget gap as benefits drive increase

The Somers Central School District on Monday presented an initial non‑instructional budget that anticipates roughly a $2.1 million increase for 2026–27, with most of the added cost tied to employee benefits and insurance, district staff told the Board of Education.

Chris, the central‑office presenter, told the board that “the largest chunk of that being from the benefits section,” and walked the trustees through audit and legal expenses, rising insurance premiums, technology lease‑purchase needs, buildings and grounds costs, transportation contracts and benefits. He also noted the county‑level release of the governor’s proposed budget earlier that day, which at a glance showed a roughly 1% increase in foundation aid.

Why it matters: the benefits line — health insurance and retirement contributions — is the single biggest pressure point in next year’s outlays. Chris said health insurance rates for 2026 were “almost right in line of where we were budgeting for 2026,” and that prior favorable rates had helped the current year, but the overall benefits increase this cycle is roughly $1.5 million in the district presentation. He added that the employee retirement system (ERS) rate for non‑certified staff is expected to increase, while the teacher retirement system (TRS) rate is projected to decline into an estimated 8.25%–8.75% range.

Other major drivers and details: district staff flagged several line items that contributed to year‑over‑year increases:

- Legal and audit: audit costs are relatively fixed, but legal expenses can vary widely year to year depending on outside work outside existing retainer arrangements.

- Insurance: Chris said insurance premiums have risen across New York districts largely because of exposure from the Child Victims Act, making carrier swaps less likely to save material dollars.

- Technology: the district continues a lease‑purchase approach to refresh student/staff devices and core infrastructure (switches, IDF/MDF, displays); the contract with its IT services provider (EduTech) covers most operational support and a portion of costs are being routed through BOCES where appropriate to capture state aid.

- Buildings & grounds: some increases reflect carryforward encumbrances from last year and planned purchases this year, plus a move to subcontract certain boiler cleanings and add semi‑annual emergency light testing.

- Transportation: contracted transportation (Royal Coach, now part of Beacon Mobility) remains the largest transportation line. The district provides fuel via state contract and pays Somers employees who serve as bus monitors; contracted drivers are provided by the vendor.

Process and timeline: the board was reminded of next steps in the budget cycle: an instructional budget presentation on Feb. 10, a March 17 summary, April 21 budget summary/adoption, a required public budget hearing on May 5 and a budget and trustee vote on May 19. Chris said the numbers remain subject to change as final TRS/ERS rates and other figures are confirmed.

Votes at a glance: several routine business motions were approved by voice vote during the meeting. The transcript recorded only voice votes with no roll‑call tallies.

- Acceptance of financial reports and warrants: approved by voice vote. - Approval of minutes (12/09/2025 and 01/06/1926): approved by voice vote. - Personnel consent agenda (including two teaching assistants earning tenure): approved by voice vote. - Business consent agenda (acceptance of wrestling spotlight donation; contract with architects H2M; authorization to expend from accrued benefit liability reserve): approved by voice vote. - Adoption of the 2627 school calendar (first day Sept. 2; no school on Election Day; separate spring break and Passover days): approved by voice vote.

What’s next: the district will present the instructional budget on Feb. 10; board members asked staff to hold off presenting firm 26‑27 numbers for some lines until final state rates are confirmed to avoid creating the impression of an already finalized amount. The budget and trustee vote is scheduled for May 19.

(Reporting note: quotes and figures are taken from the board presentation and board discussion as recorded in the meeting transcript.)