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Board adopts proposed 2026–27 budget and approves placing capital and UPK propositions on May ballot
Summary
Trustees adopted the $131.8 million proposed budget, voted to access an existing $2.5 million capital reserve for athletic and infrastructure work, and approved placing a multi-part capital question—including $24.5M Lewisboro UPK/community renovations—on the May 19 ballot; motions passed by voice and roll call votes.
The Katonah-Lewisboro Board of Education voted March 26 to adopt the district’s proposed 2026–27 budget and to place multiple propositions on the May 19 ballot, including access to a previously authorized capital reserve and a larger renovation/UPK community-space proposal for Lewisboro Elementary.
Motion to adopt the budget: Trustee John moved to adopt the proposed budget in the amount presented; Carolyn seconded. The motion passed by voice vote ("all those in favor: 7–0").
Finance director Lisa (presenting revenue and budget drivers) told trustees the district faces a projected state-aid loss of approximately $1.766 million between the current year and next, even while foundation aid is forecast to increase by 1% (about $70,000). She said the principal cost pressures are salaries and benefits (with benefits projected to increase substantially), special-education tuition and debt service. The recommended budget totals were presented as shown on the district slides.
Propositions: The board also approved placing three ballot propositions before voters: (1) the operating budget; (2) authorization to access up to $2.5 million from the capital reserve for athletic and facility improvements; and (3) a capital project to renovate Lewisboro Elementary to house UPK and community space as part of a broader $24.5 million proposal that includes building and site work. Propositions two and three required roll-call votes and were approved by the board.
Lewisboro/UPK discussion: Trustees and administrators spent significant time on the Lewisboro site’s options—demolition, limited repair (~$3.5M), or a larger $24.5M renovation program that includes UPK classrooms, a gym and community spaces. Administration said part of the funding would come from previously saved reserves set aside by the community; the larger plan would be financed over time. The presenters discussed partnering with community-based providers (CBOs) to operate UPK classrooms and said state UPK funding could contribute (presenters noted draft state proposals that reference per-seat funding levels around $10,000 but cautioned that actual contracts and costs may vary). The district currently runs 44 UPK seats (planned to expand to 50 next year) while roughly 115 families applied in the most recent lottery.
Administration emphasized the ballot ask would return previously reserved capital funds to active use and would give voters the choice on whether to proceed. Trustees discussed timing and community outreach; several said they preferred letting voters decide at the May 19 election.
Votes at a glance: - Adopt 2026–27 budget: motion by John, second by Carolyn; voice vote recorded as 7–0 in favor (adopted). - Access capital reserve (up to $2.5M) for athletic/facilities improvements: motion by Arwin, second by Bill; roll call approved (unanimous). - Place Lewisboro UPK/capital proposition on ballot: motion by Barbara, second by Carolyn; roll call approved (unanimous).
Next steps: administrators will publish FAQ materials for the community, meet with town officials and hold additional public engagement ahead of the May 19 vote.
