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North Syracuse Central School District holds public hearing on $233 million budget; levy set at cap
Summary
District leaders presented a $233 million budget that relies on $10.45 million of reserves, sets the tax levy at the state cap and delays electric-bus purchases; voting is scheduled for May 19 at two district polling locations.
The Board of Education of the NORTH SYRACUSE CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT held a public hearing on the proposed 2026-27 budget, a $233 million plan officials say is up $9.3 million (4.18%) from the prior year and includes a tax levy increase of roughly $5.6 million. The district is proposing to use about $10.45 million from fund balance and reserves to support operations while relying on the governor's budget proposal for state-aid estimates because the state budget was not final when the board adopted the proposal.
District officials said the proposal is balanced but warned that using reserves is not sustainable. "We're using the money that we've saved," Don Keegan said, adding that the district must work with New York State to ensure it receives appropriate state aid. Keegan said the district's fund balance fell to 3.76% last year and is projected to end this year at $6,663,000, about 2.85% of the budget, below the controller's recommended 4%.
Keegan walked through the calculations required by the state's tax-cap law and said the proposed levy is at the cap. He noted pilot (payment-in-lieu) revenues are declining in part because several PILOT agreements ended and said the Micron pilot was not included in the levy because it was not in effect by the March 1 cutoff. Keegan also explained how a district spreads its levy across the tax base and how new construction affects the tax-based growth factor rather than providing dollar-for-dollar incremental revenue.
Officials highlighted capital projects funded with voter-approved local shares and state building aid. Dr. Ward described recent and planned facility investments including a new CNS auditorium with expanded technical capability and a new aquatic center under construction; he said Lakes Shore Elementary is 95% complete and expected to open this fall. "I don't know of another district that can fly students during shows," Dr. Ward said while noting arts and athletics participation has increased.
On expenditures, Keegan said salary increases in the budget reflect contractual obligations and the need to hire special-education staff after bringing formerly contracted programs in-house; benefits costs were estimated to rise roughly 5.8%. The district plans to continue a steady bus-replacement program (officials said they typically replace about a dozen vehicles a year and try to retire buses after roughly 10 years) and described purchases intended for wheelchair access and longer field-trip ranges. Keegan said the local tax impact of the additional bus purchases is about $15 on a $200,000 home.
Officials emphasized uncertainty tied to the still-unfinalized state budget and encouraged residents to review detailed budget materials posted on the district website. Voting on the district budget will be Tuesday, May 19, from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.; residents south of Route 41 vote at the district office and residents north of Route 41 vote at Michael J. Braggman Stadium. District Clerk Jill Herrera is the contact for registration and ballot questions, officials said.
The hearing closed with board members thanking staff and urging voters to participate. The board then moved into its regular meeting.
