Chappaqua board adopts superintendent27s 20262D27 budget after presentations and public comment

The Chappaqua Central School District board on April 8 adopted the superintendent27s proposed 20262D27 budget after presentations from district administrators and a public-comment period.

The budget presentation emphasized priorities to protect core instructional programs, expand mental-health supports and invest in facility improvements while maintaining fiscal accountability. District finance staff said the proposed plan represents a 3.97% year-to-year increase and that the proposed tax levy would rise by 2.99%. The district also reported an estimated $1.9 million increase in state aid and said more than 85% of the budget is funded by local property taxes. (The transcript slide showing the top-line dollar amount was unclear in the meeting backup materials.)

Administrators outlined how the budget supports class-size adjustments, curriculum and program expansions and safety and infrastructure work. The plan includes an expansion of pre-kindergarten from two sections to six, investments in literacy and digital-wellness initiatives, strengthened MTSS and special-education supports including an additional psychologist/social worker at Horsley High School and a new special class at Bell Middle School. Facilities projects flagged for summer and fall work included roof and auditorium upgrades, HVAC and controls, athletic-field improvements, and upgrades to cameras and the public-address system.

District business officials described tax impacts for homeowners based on municipal growth factors: residents of the Town of New Castle were shown an estimated 2.06% year-to-year tax increase and residents of the Town of Mount Pleasant an estimated 1.19% increase. Staff directed residents to the district27s tax-impact calculator on the website for parcel-specific figures and noted procedures and deadlines for the May 19 budget vote and candidate petitions (petitions due April 20).

Board members thanked administrators for their work and read a proxy email from board member Matt Hourback expressing support for adopting the budget. After discussion the board moved and seconded a resolution to adopt the proposed budget and ratify the property tax report card; members voted in favor and the motion carried.

Next steps: the budget goes to voters on May 19. If voters reject the budget, the board can place a revised budget on the June 19 ballot or adopt a contingency budget subject to statutory limits on the tax levy and equipment purchases.