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Byram Hills presents proposed 2026–27 budget showing modest spending drop and a higher tax levy; vote set for May 19
Summary
District staff presented the proposed 2026–27 budget, describing a roughly 1.1% year-to-year decrease in total spending alongside a 5.25% proposed tax levy increase; the board approved related routine items, a regional association budget slate, and a resolution to endorse Dr. Cheryl Brady for the Area 10 director slot.
District staff presented the Byram Hills Central School District's proposed 2026–27 budget at the May 5 board meeting and reminded residents the annual budget vote will be held Tuesday, May 19 from 6:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
"Our proposed budget shows a 5.25% tax levy increase," the budget presenter said, while noting staff reported a year-to-year decrease in total spending of about 1.1 percent (figures presented in the meeting record varied slightly across slides and discussion). The presentation included sample, town-specific tax-rate impacts: North Castle (+5.9%), Bedford (+1.24%), New Castle (−3.8%) and Mount Pleasant (−4.62%). Presenters explained those differences arise from changes in assessed values and equalization rates beyond the district's direct control.
The board discussed outreach steps: voters will receive a four-page budget newsletter, staff will hold a final public budget information session before the vote, and PTSA will operate curbside babysitting at the polling location. Presenters said the district had pursued cost reductions during budget development and noted the district is below the tax-levy cap in part because it is no longer carrying district debt.
In related business the board approved the Westchester-Putnam School Boards Association 2026–27 budget and nominating slate. The board also passed a resolution endorsing Dr. Cheryl Brady as Area 10 director for the association ballot; speakers cited Brady's prior service on the White Plains board and earlier work as an area representative.
Separately, the board authorized the board president to send a letter on behalf of the district to the district's health consortium (recorded in the meeting as "Swiss ship/Swisschip") requesting that the consortium explore offering a high-deductible plan option as an additional choice and review its governance structure to identify opportunities for cost control and member choice.
All of the above motions were moved, seconded and approved by voice vote during the meeting. The public budget vote remains the next formal decision point for the district's adopted spending plan.
