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Wayne schools brace for tighter 2026–27 budget as state aid lags and health costs climb
Summary
District business administrator presented the first 2026–27 budget input, citing delayed state aid, a projected health‑insurance increase of over 30%, growing special‑education and salary costs, and planned withdrawals from reserves to cover capital needs; tentative budget to be filed after state aid numbers are received.
The Wayne Board of Education received its first public input on the 2026–27 budget on March 5, with the district warning of constrained revenues and large cost pressures while state aid figures remain delayed.
"In short, we are entering the new budget year in a tight fiscal position," Business Administrator Ginny DiMarco told the board during a detailed presentation of revenue assumptions and projected expenses. DiMarco outlined a limited revenue cap tied to the 2% local tax levy rule, which she estimated would allow about $3,500,000 in additional local revenue, and said the district has not yet received state aid numbers needed to finalize the tentative budget.
Why it matters: the gap between fixed costs and available revenue will shape staffing and service decisions. DiMarco said the district aims to avoid staff reductions if possible but that automatic replacement of vacancies is…
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