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District presenter outlines Saugerties Central School District’s proposed 2025–26 budget, cites state aid uncertainty and rising costs
Summary
A presenter for the Saugerties Central School District previewed the proposed 2025–26 budget, warning that delayed state aid, a 7.52% rise in active-member insurance and higher retirement contributions are core drivers; the district also highlighted a new CTE lease at iPark and an influx of 18 ELL students.
A presenter for the Saugerties Central School District told community members the board will consider a proposed budget for the 2025–26 school year that is being shaped by uncertain state aid, rising personnel costs and new program expenses.
The presenter said the New York State budget had not been passed on time and that “while we have a good idea of what our state aid will be, it is not set until the budget passes,” leaving a degree of uncertainty for the district’s final revenue estimates.
Why it matters: the district must balance instructional programs and extracurriculars with higher personnel costs. The presenter listed several concrete cost drivers — a 7.52% increase in insurance for active employees, changes to retirement contribution rates and contractual salary obligations — and said those increases are reflected in the proposed spending plan.
The presenter gave specific figures: “Currently, insurance for active members are increasing by 7.52%,” and later noted teachers’ retirement-system (TRS) contribution rates are “going down to 9.59, but there’s also new money that rate gets tacked onto, so it will be an increase,” while the employee retirement system rate is “going up to 16.5%.”
The budget also includes program and facility changes. The presenter said Ulster BOCES has arranged a lease at iPark, the former IBM complex in Kingston, and that the district’s career and technical education students will occupy the first and second floors. The district described the space as providing 21st-century classrooms for programs including cosmetology, cybersecurity and automotive, but warned that the opportunity carries associated costs.
The presenter also said the district plans to reinstate district-sponsored modified sports and field trips after community contributions covered them last year, noting the district does not want to place that burden on residents again.
Student needs and staffing are additional pressures. The presenter reported at least 18 new English-language-learner students have entered the district this year, creating a need for additional staff. The presenter also said the district is facing a smaller candidate pool for both certificated and noncertificated positions than in prior years.
On federal funding, the presenter said the district continues to monitor special-education funds and Title I, II and IV grants, and cautioned that reductions or changes to those streams would have “a tremendous impact” on future budgets.
The presenter closed by inviting residents to the board meeting, which will begin with a brief executive session at 6:10 p.m., with public session expected to resume at 6:30 p.m. in the Salisbury High School Library or online.
The board will consider the proposed budget at that meeting; no formal votes or motions were announced in the remarks.
