Fairport workshop narrows 2026–27 budget gap to about $781,645; district plans attrition, program shifts and public hearing schedule

The Fairport Central School District presented a draft 2026–27 budget at an April workshop that shows a projected current deficit of roughly $781,645 and outlines a combination of staffing attrition, program consolidations and one‑time aid to close the gap.

Superintendent Provenzano said the district will present a formal budget recommendation on April 21 and emphasized priorities: maintaining students’ instructional experience, meeting mandates and keeping fiscal sustainability central to decisions. “I will be making a recommendation of a budget in 2026–2027 that helps us achieve our school improvement initiatives,” the superintendent said during the workshop.

The presentation broke down major expense drivers: general support (including facilities) is up about 3.26 percent, instruction about 2.39 percent, transportation about 4.07 percent and employee benefits remain the largest cost category. Health insurance alone contributed a multiyear increase — speakers said health costs rose by roughly $3 million — though pension adjustments trimmed some costs. Total proposed expenses were presented at about $172.8 million, a 4.52 percent year‑to‑year increase.

Revenue projections total about $172,061,000, a 4.05 percent increase, driven primarily by property tax (at the district’s tax cap), state aid and other one‑time items. Presenters cited a rise in pilot payments tied to higher occupancy at a local development (Evergreen East) and about $365,000 in BOCES lease income. Business‑office staff said they also recognized one‑time BOCES aid and a forecasted $150,000 increase in county sales tax receipts as part of the mitigation.

Administrators and board members described a multi‑pronged mitigation plan. The district said it will use attrition to avoid refilling certain positions (18 positions were identified for attrition), consolidate some administrative roles tied to the Minerva consolidation, and shift service delivery models for elementary health instruction by using a traveling health teacher and increased library/contact time so mandated lessons continue without reducing core instructional time. The district also plans to rely on social workers, psychologists and behavior specialists to handle non‑mandated counseling needs.

Officials said attrition has been a recurring tool: a board member reported the district absorbed at least 16 positions through attrition over the past two years. Administration acknowledged attrition affects schools and staff, and stressed the district is taking a “disciplined approach” to staffing that includes preserving class‑size thresholds and closing sections only when necessary.

Officials also described contingent revenue upside if the state budget includes proposals the district is tracking: a 1 percent increase in foundation aid would be worth roughly $325,000, and state changes to cover the local portion of universal prekindergarten (UPK) could free about $225,000 currently funded from the district general fund. The district reported 241 students are currently on the UPK lottery list for 108 available seats.

The administration cautioned the district must adopt a budget by the board’s April 21 deadline and hold a required public hearing on May 5; the superintendent announced a budget breakfast and state‑of‑schools event for April 28 and said the annual budget vote and school board election are scheduled for May 19 from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.

In a final procedural action the board approved an attached personnel agreement as recommended by the superintendent (recorded vote 6–0) and then moved to adjourn (recorded vote 6–0).

What’s next: the superintendent will present a recommended 2026–27 budget on April 21, the district will hold a public budget hearing on May 5, and voters will decide on the budget and three board seats on May 19.