Shenendehowa presents $234 million preliminary budget for 2026–27; Atria project and staffing highlighted

District leaders presented a third overview of the proposed 2026–27 Shenendehowa budget at the March 24 meeting, describing program priorities, revenue assumptions and key numbers.

Presenters said the proposed budget would be approximately $234 million — about $11 million above the prior year — and described it as a measured approach to sustain programming while staying within the 2.52% tax cap. They listed revenue assumptions including roughly $47.8 million in foundation aid and $3.1 million in kindergarten aid. The presenters said the property tax levy would total just over $149 million under the proposal.

The budget narrative highlighted an $85 million capital project (HVAC part one for the middle school and high school) that will commence in summer construction work and a large Atria project for which the district plans to hire 63 staff members and ultimately house more than 100 staff in the new building. Presenters noted that some state aid would offset Atria costs but the district expects a portion to come from the general fund.

Other details included absorbing the full cost of a mental‑health contract (previously partially grant‑funded) into the general fund, addition of four staff positions to support equity and special education work, continued use of reserves (including ERS and TRS reserves) and a modest use of unappropriated fund balance to manage tax impacts. The presenters said the proposed budget increase from $223 million to $234 million represented roughly a 5% budget increase year‑over‑year; the tax levy remains aligned with the tax cap.

Voting information was provided: the budget vote is scheduled for Tuesday, May 19; absentee ballots must be requested by May 12 and returned to the district clerk by 5:00 p.m. on May 19. The board also indicated the bus resolution will be part of the final budget presentation.