District unveils $105.6 million 2026–27 budget, two capital propositions head to voters

The WEST IRONDEQUOIT CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT Board of Education presented a proposed $105,572,417 budget for 2026–27 at its May 7 public hearing, with administration saying the plan would draw roughly $2.4 million from district reserves to balance the year’s spending.

Superintendent Dr. Johnson framed the budget around the district’s strategic priorities — balance, curriculum alignment, and maintaining programs — and emphasized keeping students at the center of spending choices. Assistant superintendent/business official Mr. Brennan gave the financial overview, saying the district plans to use about $2.4 million (roughly 2.3% of the budget) from savings to balance expenses and that officials are monitoring that reliance against a 5% “watch” threshold for sustainability.

The proposed tax levy increase is 2.04% under New York’s tax cap formula; Mr. Brennan said that would raise local tax rates by about 44 cents per $1,000 of assessed value, which he illustrated as approximately an $88 annual increase for a home assessed at $200,000. Foundation aid from New York State is projected to rise about 1.53% under current estimates, with the administration noting possible additional aid if the final state budget provides more assistance (an estimated half-percent increase could reduce reliance on reserves by about $170,000).

The hearing also described two propositions that will appear to voters alongside the budget vote: a maintenance capital proposition totaling $1.855 million to address targeted roofing and ceiling abatement on aging buildings (administration said the work would leverage building aid and capital reserve funds and therefore would not increase taxes), and a separate ballot item to permit the district to use an energy performance contract (EPC) financing mechanism that would allow the district to access an additional 10% state building aid. Administration said the EPC work (paid for through energy savings and building aid) is expected to produce positive cash flow — roughly $600,000 annually under the project plan and, with the additional 10% aid, cumulatively more than previously projected over an 18-year horizon.

Administration emphasized that the EPC vote is not a vote on whether to complete specific upgrades — it is a vote to allow the district to access additional state building aid that would increase the overall financial capacity of the project. Officials said the EPC aligns with district sustainability goals and student engagement in sustainability work.

Board members asked about the district’s reliance on savings, the sensitivity of the projection to state foundation aid, and whether the tax-cap constraints limit flexibility given inflation. Administration said they continue to monitor enrollment, staffing needs and pension/health-care cost pressures and will refine fall planning as state aid numbers finalize.

The hearing concluded with reminders that the district budget vote and propositions will be presented to voters at the May 19 budget vote and election, with the polling location at the St. Paul Fire Department, 433 Cooper Road.