Penfield budget review: $135.8M draft, board to place budget and bus purchase on May ballot

The Penfield Central School District’s business official presented a budget development review on March 24, saying the district is working from a $135.8 million draft spending plan for 2026–27 and will ask the board to approve legal notices that put the operating budget and other propositions on the May ballot.

"We are at $135.8 million," said Dr. Driffle, summarizing the draft plan and the primary cost drivers: rising employee benefits, growth in specialized (special education and vocational) programming, and scheduled one‑to‑one device replacement cycles.

Dr. Driffle said wages and benefits account for a large share of the budget and that BOCES (regional cooperative services) costs, administrative technology, and device cycles are important contributors. He noted that some costs that appear larger this year include planned laptop purchases tied to the district’s device replacement schedule and higher device prices.

On the revenue side, Dr. Driffle reviewed recent one‑house budget proposals from Albany and potential changes to foundation aid and universal prekindergarten funding; district staff are monitoring final state action ahead of the board’s April budget adoption. Using the state tax‑cap formula, he said the district could increase the tax levy next year by approximately $3.1 million (about 4.33%) and that the district plans to use assigned fund balance at a modest level to close the gap if necessary.

The board approved legal notices to put three propositions on the May ballot: the annual operating budget, a bus purchase authorization from the 2024 capital reserve (14 buses at a net estimated cost not to exceed $2,344,170), and two board seats for three‑year terms beginning July 1, 2026. Dr. Driffle reiterated the calendar: board adoption of the superintendent’s proposed budget is scheduled for April 21, budget documents posted April 28, the public hearing on May 5, and the district vote on May 19.

Board members asked clarifying questions about local levy mechanics and the timing for final tax‑rate calculations; Dr. Driffle noted that town equalization and reassessments affect final tax‑rate projections and that tax rates are not finalized until July.

The board voted on legal notices, the bus proposition and change orders during the meeting; motions carried by voice votes or roll call as recorded in the meeting minutes.