Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Budget topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Utica City School District proposes $310.4 million 2026–27 budget with 0% tax-levy increase
Summary
District leaders presented a $310,427,947 budget for 2026–27, said the levy would see a 0% change (around $30,000,000), and emphasized no proposed layoffs or program cuts; the budget will appear on the May 19 ballot and be canvassed May 19–20.
The Utica City School District presented a proposed $310,427,947 budget for 2026–27 and told the public the district intends a 0% tax-levy increase while maintaining current staff and programming.
Presenter framed the budget as aligned to the district's mission and priorities and said the proposed spending "is rooted in our mission and vision," adding that the budget was designed to support incremental, sustainable growth across programs and leadership development. Presenter emphasized the district is "not cutting programs" and "not laying off people."
On specific figures, the presenter announced the total amount ($310,427,947) and said the levy would remain at about $30,000,000 with a 0% tax increase on the levy. Finance staff Hamid told the board the administrative portion of the budget is about "7.78%" of next year's budget and that comparative work showed the district's administrative spending was substantially below comparable districts by about $2.5 million at the smallest comparison and up to about $5 million at the high end.
The district described program priorities that would receive funding in the proposal: a continued award-winning extended-day program, a new career and technical education initiative expected to serve about 300 students across 12 career pathways, summer enrichment programming and investments in school leadership and professional development.
On capital and operations, staff said a reduction in some plant-operation contingency was offset by identified needs, including $231,000 for air-circulation repairs and parking-lot/sidewalk work; employee benefits rose roughly 7% overall, largely due to health-insurance costs. The budget also anticipates transfers to support the school-lunch program, which the district subsidizes to provide free lunches.
On revenue assumptions, a finance presenter said the district plans for approximately a $20,300,000 increase in total revenue, driven by about $19,000,000 in state aid; staff cautioned that projections are estimates because the state budget had not yet been finalized.
Staff noted the public vote on the budget propositions is scheduled for May 19, with polling locations open 12–9; the board will reconvene after voting to canvass the results and is scheduled to approve results at its May 20 meeting. No formal board vote on the budget was recorded at this meeting; the presentation was intended to educate voters and explain fiscal priorities.
"We are not cutting any positions. We are not cutting programs," Presenter said, summarizing the administration's approach. "This is the budget; it's been a great process," Presenter added.
Next steps: the propositions go before voters on May 19; the board will canvass and then approve results the following day if appropriate.
