Chester UFSD unveils 2026–27 budget priorities and sets May 19 vote

Superintendent Miss O'Hara and Assistant Superintendent for Business Nicole D'Souza presented the Chester Union Free School District's proposed 2026–27 budget, outlining three priorities: strengthening academic excellence, advancing college- and career-ready pathways, and optimizing infrastructure for safety and sustainability.

D'Souza said the budget planning assumes slight enrollment growth at Chester Elementary School, steady enrollment at Chester Academy and maintenance of current staffing to support instructional and student support programs. She described school-level investments that include targeted special-education staffing, social-emotional supports, enrichment programs (athletics, music and arts), expanded career-connected learning and continued ParentSquare and website integration for family communication.

On facilities and safety, O'Hara said the proposal supports coordinated on-site police presence, enhanced surveillance and controlled building access in collaboration with the Town of Chester Police Department and contracted security partners, along with cybersecurity and technology upgrades and energy-efficiency work to preserve district facilities.

D'Souza presented preliminary financial figures tied to the proposal: total projected revenue of $39,700,000 (up from $38,200,000 in the prior projection), with property taxes forecast to account for roughly 56% of revenue and state aid about 37%. The district plans to appropriate $1,500,000 of fund balance as a one-time resource. She said New York State limits allowable tax-levy growth to the lesser of 2% or CPI (currently 2.7%), noting five consecutive years in which inflation has outpaced the cap. The district's maximum allowable tax levy for the 2026–27 budget was presented as $22,100,000, reflecting a 3.83% increase driven mainly by the capital-levy exclusion for existing voter-approved debt service, D'Souza said.

D'Souza cautioned that these figures are preliminary and depend on the state budget process; she noted the governor's proposed 1% statewide aid increase would generate approximately $96,000 for the district but would not fully offset inflationary pressures. She added that the state's 'hold harmless' provision prevents an immediate drop in foundation aid that would otherwise have reduced aids by roughly $800,000 under the formula.

The presentation included a schedule for further work: a follow-up budget presentation on March 18 focused on instructional programs, student support services and technology, and a district-wide budget vote scheduled for Tuesday, May 19. D'Souza said all budget documents and presentation materials are available on the district website under the budget and finance section.

The board took no formal budget vote at the meeting; the presentation and schedule set the next steps for review and public information ahead of the May ballot.