Eldred board advances 2026–27 budget and places bus purchase and levy items on May ballot

The Eldred Central School District board heard a budget presentation and approved putting multiple propositions on the May 2026 ballot during its meeting.

Russell, a district staff member who presented the budget, said the proposed 2026–27 budget increases overall spending by 2.45% and is roughly in line with recent inflation. "For this year, we are increasing the budget 2.45%," Russell said, adding that the plan includes only replacements for departing staff rather than net new hires and that the largest cost driver is employee benefits. He noted health insurance increased about 6.91% and ERS costs rose roughly 10%, while TRS declined by about 10%.

The presentation outlined revenue composition and the district's property tax cap. Russell explained the district is planning to adopt the allowable tax cap this year (2.38% as calculated by the state) and said the district's state aid levels remain flat or could decline, making reliance on the cap likely for the near term.

Superintendent Tracy congratulated district staffer Mr. Carpentieri on his appointment to the Monticello School District as assistant superintendent for instruction, effective July 1. Tracy also emphasized timing constraints for bus purchases under state rules and federal vehicle lead times: "We have to put [the bus order] in now because there is a year and a half out for builds," Tracy said, noting the board would ask voters to authorize the purchase of 13 school buses and related equipment with a total cost not to exceed $2,500,000.

Votes at a glance - Sullivan County BOCES administrative budget (2026'27): approved (voice vote). Motion recorded as made and carried. - Authorization to cast district ballot votes for Sullivan County BOCES trustees: approved (voice vote). - District budget proposition: board approved placing the 2026'27 budget proposition on the May 2026 ballot (motion approved). The transcript record of the exact levy figure in one line is unclear; the board approved placing the resolution on the ballot. - Sunshine Hall Library levy ($52,000 annually): approved to be placed on the May 2026 ballot (voice vote). - Bus purchase proposition (13 buses): approved to be placed on the May 2026 ballot; the resolution caps cost at $2,500,000 and contemplates state aid offset.

Board members made and carried the motions by voice vote for each item; where the transcript records names, motions were seconded by board members including Kristen and Amador. The consent agenda (items 8.01'11.05) was approved by voice vote.

The superintendent and administrators provided routine reports: the superintendent reviewed calendar items (budget hearing May 7; budget vote May 19), a district give-back day on May 26, and other end-of-year activities. The secondary and elementary principals reported on final assessments, master schedule planning and enrollment/attendance (elementary attendance at about 94.65% toward a 95% target). A student representative reported on recent trips and fundraisers, saying the SNAP fundraiser had raised $8,505 so far.

The meeting ended with a motion to enter executive session to consult with counsel on litigation. The board announced the next meeting and the May 7 budget hearing before adjourning.

Context: The board emphasized that the bus purchase timing responds to vehicle lead times and the state's transition timeline for diesel/electric school buses. The district also noted state budget uncertainty and that some figures in the meeting record were presented as preliminary or subject to final state aid calculations.

Next steps: The board scheduled the public budget hearing for May 7 and the budget vote for May 19. Voter approval will be required for propositions placed on the ballot.