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Fairport board hears non‑instructional budget driven by rising health costs, considers two voter propositions
Summary
Administrators told the board the non‑instructional budget will rise about 9.3% to roughly $89.2 million, driven largely by an estimated $4 million increase in health and dental costs and higher debt service. The board reviewed proposals to use a bus reserve and create a $25 million capital reserve and heard an update on planned bus purchases and a grant‑funded electric bus.
Administrators presented the Fairport Central School District’s non‑instructional budget and a set of proposed voter propositions at the board’s February business meeting.
The district’s non‑instructional budget—described as the “backbone” of operations that covers facilities, transportation, technology and benefits—was shown at roughly $89.2 million, an increase of about 9.3% from the prior year. Budget staff said roughly $7.5–8.0 million of the increase is tied to rising health insurance costs and growing debt service obligations.
Treasurer Jeremy Nardo summarized the district’s December cash position, saying the starting cash balance was just under $120.5 million, receipts were about $3.0 million and ending cash was roughly $104.7 million. Nardo noted the district’s short‑term investments (money market, CDs, ICS and T‑bills) are currently earning “over 3½ percent.”
On benefits, administrators said health and dental expenses are projected to increase “just over $4,000,000,” a principal driver of the budget change. The board discussed consortium options and the practical difficulties of switching plans; Nardo said some districts have seen single‑year increases in other consortiums of 20–30%, and that self‑funding is an option but carries greater volatility.
Transportation and capital items were also reviewed. The district reported it is budgeting roughly $1.8 million for a bus purchase package (nine buses, with trade‑ins), and administrators clarified the planned fleet purchases are diesel buses (not zero‑emission). The board was told an electric bus funded by grant money is expected to arrive in June, with charging stations planned for installation.
Two voter propositions were previewed for the public: authorization to use a bus purchase reserve (administrators cited taking about $185,000 from an older reserve) and authorization to create a 2026 capital reserve with language up to $25,000,000 plus accrued interest. Administrators said the capital reserve would give the district a place to deposit year‑end surpluses and better manage future projects.
What’s next: administrators said numbers will continue to be refined through March, with an instructional budget review scheduled for March 17, a public hearing on May 5 at Fairport High School, and the budget vote and board elections scheduled for May 19.
(Reporting based on presentations and figures provided by the superintendent and treasurer; the board did not adopt a final budget tonight.)
