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District projects $1.65 million budget gap for 2026—27; administration proposes targeted cuts and reserves use
Summary
Business office reported revenues and aid projections that are insufficient to cover proposed appropriations for 2026—27, leaving a $1,654,842 shortfall; administration outlined likely reduction categories (teaching positions via attrition, elective/CTE realignments, central-office realignment, buildings & grounds) and flagged reserves and appropriated fund balance as options.
The superintendent and business office presented the district's 2026—27 budget outlook and a projected $1,654,842 shortfall under current assumptions.
Key numbers: the administration showed an expected incremental revenue increase of about $1.2 million (some foundation and building-aid improvements reflected) but proposed appropriations rising by roughly $2.98 million year-over-year, producing the gap. The presentation reiterated the district's 3.36% tax-cap ceiling and explained how building aid, transportation aid and other state flows were estimated for planning.
Administration outlined a multi-pronged approach to close the shortfall: prioritize attrition (avoid replacing some retiring positions), reduce or realign teaching positions in core and elective areas, scale back some CTE and extracurricular offerings if necessary, reduce central-office and support staffing where possible, tighten supplies and software budgets, and manage transportation routing aggressively. Leadership also said it is prepared to draw from reserves (technology or other restricted reserves) and to adjust the appropriated fund balance as part of the final budget package; specific position-level and program-level reduction proposals will be presented at the next budget meeting.
Business officer Ms. Joe summarized current financials through January: general fund cash roughly $18.4 million, about 50% of appropriations expended and revenues at 77% collected; the cafeteria fund is running a small surplus and certain federal receivables remain outstanding. Transportation had been an out-of-budget pressure earlier but corrective route changes reduced the near-term risk.
Next steps and timeline: staff proposed a detailed board budget workshop on April 16 and a final budget adoption vote on April 21 (with the district's annual meeting, budget vote and BOCES elections scheduled per the notice). Administration will return with building- and position-specific reduction recommendations and reserve-use scenarios in time for board consideration before final adoption.
