Williamsville Central School District previews roughly $248.2 million 2026–27 budget; board hears student call for rooftop solar

The Williamsville Central School District Board of Education reviewed a proposed $248,168,844 budget for 2026–27 at a special budget work session, a plan the district said represents a 2.24% increase from the prior year and keeps the proposed tax levy change within New York State’s tax-cap limit.

Dr. Chris McInley, the district’s acting assistant superintendent for finance and management services, led the presentation and said the largest budget pressures are employee-salary increases, higher health-insurance costs, rising special-education service expenses tied in part to a new special-education facility, and inflationary increases in outsourced student transportation. "I'm pleased to present our 2026–27 proposed budget tonight," McInley said, then reviewed program enhancements (about $300,000) and $4,253,984 in identified reductions the district is using to balance the plan.

The presentation combined those adjustments to show an adjusted increase of $5,448,977 and a total expenditure figure the district presented as $248,168,844; projected revenues in the slide deck matched that total, producing a balanced budget as presented. McInley also noted the district’s 2.24% increase is below the consumer-price index figure cited for school districts (2.63%), which he used to frame the district’s spending growth.

Board members asked follow-up questions. Mr. Bean asked whether prospective changes to foundation aid were apparent in the state budget documents yet; McInley said it was too early to tell. Mr. Mano pressed on a projected $566,650 reduction in PILOT (payment-in-lieu-of-taxes) revenue and whether that represented a net loss; McInley explained the PILOT reduction appears in one revenue line but that the overall revenue column accounts for the expected tax collections, meaning the net revenue picture was reflected in the total figures presented.

During the public-hearing portion of the meeting, Athena Cleau, speaking on behalf of herself and environmental-club members present, urged the district to plan for rooftop solar installations on district facilities. Cleau said solar could deliver "energy independence, long-term savings, and significantly reduced greenhouse gas emissions," and suggested the district pursue available grants or power-purchase agreements to avoid upfront costs.

The board did not take final action on the budget at the meeting; Dr. McInley said the next step is the budget vote scheduled for May 19. The board approved routine agenda items earlier in the meeting and adjourned after the presentations and public comment.