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Saugerties board flags $5.9 million budget gap; votes deferred as administration outlines cuts and survey
Summary
Superintendent and business officer told the board the district faces about a $5.9 million shortfall driven by special education costs, transportation, insurance and rising BOCES expenses; administrators outlined targeted cuts, a parent transportation survey and use of reserves while urging community input ahead of the May budget vote.
Saugerties Central School District officials told the school board that the district is facing an operating shortfall of roughly $5.9 million as they refine the 2026–27 budget.
In a detailed presentation, Business Officer Mr. Steiger and Superintendent Dr. Rohrbach said revenues are projected to rise about 2.8 percent while expenditures are growing faster, driven largely by special education placements and services, transportation for displaced (McKinney‑Vento) students, higher insurance costs and increased payments for Ulster BOCES services. The administration presented a preliminary tax‑levy increase calculation of 3.15 percent — about $1.5 million — constrained by the statutory tax‑cap calculation that uses the lower of 2 percent or inflation for levy growth.
Steiger said the district serves 2,463 students, including 613 students with disabilities, 69 English‑language learners and 1,027…
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