Valley Central board advances $10.37 million capital proposition, presents $139.7 million budget with 2.98% levy increase
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Summary
Board heard a detailed capital‑project presentation and agreed to place a proposed $10.37 million renovation and water‑system package on the May ballot; the administration presented a $139.7 million recommended budget with a 2.98% tax‑levy increase and described funding sources intended to limit taxpayer impact.
Valley Central School District officials presented a $10.37 million capital‑project proposal and the superintendent’s recommended 2026–27 budget during the March 23 board meeting, and the board adopted resolutions to place the project and related propositions on the May ballot.
The district’s architect described a scope focused on performing‑arts upgrades (stage curtains, lighting and sound) at multiple elementary and middle schools, replacement of aging water storage and treatment systems at Berea and the high school, and repairs to high‑school stage flooring and building mechanical systems. Dion Miller of CS Arch said the total scope estimate of eligible work is about $9.8 million, and with contingencies the district plans to bond up to $10,370,000. "The estimate, including all the financing and contingencies, would be just a little bit over 10,000,000 — $10,370,000," Miller said.
Assistant Superintendent for Business Brad Conklin presented the district’s recommended budget of $139,700,000, a 4.41% increase from the current year. Conklin identified major cost drivers including a transportation rebid, rising special‑education placements and health insurance increases. He said the recommended tax levy increase is 2.98%, below the district’s tax‑levy limit of 3.44%.
Conklin outlined the district’s plan to reduce direct tax impact by applying $2,250,000 from an existing capital reserve and $1,490,000 from unappropriated general‑fund balance toward the capital project; the administration also cited expected state building aid (estimated at about 70.4% of eligible expenses) as a major offset to debt service. On the recommended levy, Conklin said, "We are able to recommend a budget with no additional tax fund balance applied than we had last year," and presented homeowner impact examples showing an estimated increase of roughly $85–$120 annually for a $300,000 home depending on STAR status.
On motions brought later in the meeting, the board adopted a resolution designating the capital project as a Type II action under SEQRA, approved the special proposition to present the capital project to voters, and established a Capital Reserve Fund 2026. Roll‑call votes on procedural resolutions and the capital reserve passed unanimously. Conklin also briefed the board on Proposition 2 and Proposition 3 language and on the timetable: a public hearing is scheduled for May 11 and the district budget vote and election will be held May 19.
The presentation included other budget details: staffing reductions and reallocations that the administration said would avoid layoffs, additions such as a network‑security analyst and payroll support, and an increase in out‑of‑district special‑education costs. Conklin also noted the district will begin a five‑year transportation contract with First Student and estimated the five‑year projected transportation cost at about $49.8 million.
Next steps: the board adopted the procedural resolutions needed to place the propositions on the May ballot and set nomination deadlines for board seats. The administration said it will present the budget for formal adoption at the board’s April 13 meeting and hold the public hearing on May 11.
Authorities and related procedures referenced in the meeting included the Department of Health (regarding water‑system recommendations) and New York State budget/tax‑cap rules relevant to the tax‑levy calculation. The administration said detailed budget materials and a budget newsletter will be posted on the district website and that voters will decide on the propositions on May 19.
