Somers board adopts $116.7 million proposed budget, schedules May 19 public vote

The Somers Central School District Board of Education voted to adopt the district’s proposed 2026–27 budget, a package presented to the board as "just over $116 million" (presenter summarized the figure as roughly $116.7 million) and set the public vote and trustee election for May 19, 2026, at Somers Middle School from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Chris, who presented the budget to the board, described the development process and major revenue and expense drivers, saying revenue sources include property taxes, state aid and sales tax while expenses are dominated by salaries and benefits, transportation and debt service. He noted the district used the governor’s executive budget numbers because the state budget had not yet been finalized.

The presentation explained options if voters reject the budget: the district may resubmit the same or a revised budget for a June 16 vote or adopt a contingent budget (which would preserve the prior year’s tax levy and require approximately $2.1 million in reductions). The district said reductions under a contingent budget would likely affect people and positions (instructional FTEs, coaches and co‑curricular clubs), planned equipment purchases, and some building use by community groups.

Board discussion and subsequent motions covered routine consent items, stipulations and policy readings before the formal motion adopting the budget. The board set the property‑tax report card and the May 19 public vote; the transcript records the adoption motion and the scheduling of the vote but does not record named roll‑call vote tallies in the minutes provided.

Next steps: the district will publish budget documents in advance of a May 5 public hearing and make materials available online and in public locations for review.