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Byram Hills board weighs 4.99%–5.25% tax-levy options as special-education costs and mandates rise
Summary
At a budget hearing, administrators outlined a proposed 2026–27 budget and flagged rising special-education, benefits and mandate costs; the superintendent recommended a 5.25% levy override to rebuild reserves, prompting a board split between 4.99% and 5.25% options ahead of a May 19 vote.
The Byram Hills Central School District board on April 7 heard presentations on the administration’s proposed 2026–27 budget and debated whether to seek a tax-levy override of up to 5.25% to replenish reserves and cover rising special-education and benefits costs.
Colleen, director for programs for students with special needs, told the board the district now counts 294 classified students with individualized education programs (IEPs) and has 22 students placed in out-of-district programs. “We currently have 294 students who are classified and have an individualized education program K–12,” she said, and explained that out-of-district placements and highly specialized contracted services are the primary drivers of increases in the special-services budget line.
Kevin, who presented the computer-assisted instruction budget, said the technology plan shows a $100,000 net reduction year over year, reflecting tighter software procurement, a toner-cost cap, lifecycle tracking and…
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