Rondout Valley superintendent, finance staff outline $83.5 million preliminary 2026–27 budget
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Summary
District leaders presented a preliminary $83,500,615 budget for 2026–27, citing a roughly $3 million increase from the prior year, projected revenue decreases, a remaining gap of about $1.7 million after proposed savings and reserve use, and an adoption timeline leading to a May 19 public vote.
Assistant Superintendent for Business Tabitha Beguin presented the Rondout Valley Central School District's preliminary budget proposal for 2026–27, reporting a proposed total of $83,500,615 — about $3 million, or roughly 4 percent, above the current year.
The presentation, given to the Board of Education on March 10, laid out projected revenue declines and the district's options for closing the remaining budget gap. Beguin said projected revenues were lower than the current year and noted the district was proposing using approximately $3,000,000 in projected savings and about $1,150,000 from reserves; even with those measures the district still projected a gap of about $1,700,000 and described the figures as preliminary.
"This is just before we look at all the ways we can be creative to make sure that we can keep programs and all the things," Beguin said, describing reductions in negative referrals and increases in positive referrals as programmatic successes the budget seeks to preserve. Superintendent Dr. Spadaro underscored the district's effort to prioritize programs and explained a portion of the district's capital plan, including a $20 million investment tied to a new band room and auditorium refurbishment.
Key numbers Beguin provided included the voter‑approved 2025–26 budget of $80,470,116, the proposed 2026–27 total of $83,500,615, and an estimated tax‑levy increase of about 3.82 percent that would yield roughly $1.8 million in additional revenue. Beguin also noted that foundation aid and other state‑level changes remain subject to the governor and legislature and could change the final revenue picture.
The board was given options and a timeline: a special board meeting to adopt the budget is scheduled for April 7, with April 24 noted as the latest practical adoption date if the board delays, and the public vote is scheduled for May 19. Beguin and Dr. Spadaro emphasized that the numbers are preliminary and that additional detail and public materials will follow.
The presentation included staffing and enrollment context: the district reported a multi‑year decline in student enrollment while staff counts have decreased more slowly, and officials said they are monitoring per‑pupil costs and staffing levels as they finalize the plan.
The board followed with several clarifying questions about how the proposed totals would affect programs, and presenters reiterated that adjustments remain possible before final adoption.
