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Fredonia Central School District presents 2026-27 tentative budget, warns use of $750,000 fund balance
Summary
District administrators presented a 2026-27 tentative budget featuring a 3.61% net spending increase, salary-and-benefit costs that make up roughly 69% of expenditures, and a planned $750,000 draw from fund balance; board set the budget for voter consideration May 19.
Fredonia Central School District officials presented the district—s tentative 2026-27 budget at a May 5 special hearing, saying the latest draft carries a 3.61% increase in overall spending and relies on a $750,000 use of fund balance to close the gap.
At the budget hearing, district business staff reviewed revenue and expenditure drivers, noting salaries and benefits represent about 68.79% of operating expenses (72.74% when debt service is included). The presentation cited demographic shifts over five years: enrollment up roughly 2%; English-language learners up about 26%; students with disabilities up about 58%; CTE participation up roughly 29%; and an increase in students identified as homeless from about five to 51 in the current year.
"This is simply an opportunity to review for the community at this point," the presenter said, explaining the board cannot alter items already adopted for the ballot and that some figures (equalization rates, final state aid) remain pending. The presenter also said the district reduced over $3 million in costs across several drafts by shifting to grants, not filling some vacancies and trimming equipment and materials requests.
During questions, a board member asked how much of a planned capital outlay project would be reimbursed by the state; staff answered about 82.7% would be covered. The presentation also highlighted a $100,000 capital outlay item for tennis-court repairs and a larger debt-service increment tied to a current capital project.
Public commenters raised concerns about fiscal choices. One resident, Kathleen Dennison, said she was troubled by the planned use of fund balance and urged the board to reassess vacant positions and recurring roles that were initially funded by American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) dollars. District staff responded that several positions initially supported by federal COVID-era funding (school counselor, social worker, speech and special-education roles) have become critical over time given changing student needs.
The board approved placing the proposed budget on the May 19 ballot; the budget vote will take place May 19 from 2 to 9 p.m. in the high school cafeteria. Additional details on final state aid and the tax levy will be determined as state budget actions conclude later in the spring.
