Johnsburg board adopts $13.47 million budget for 2026-27; tax levy set within cap

The Johnsburg Central School District Board of Education voted to adopt a $13,468,329 budget for the 2026-27 school year following a budget presentation from district staff.

Stephanie (district staff), who led the budget review, told the board the budget is organized into administrative, program and capital components and that the largest cost drivers are teaching, employee benefits and social services. She said the district is accounting for a 5% increase in health insurance and has reclassified some expenses between cost centers to align with state aid eligibility. "The proposed tax levy will be $7,088,989. It is a $160,844 increase, which is a 2.32% change over last year," Stephanie said, adding that the levy figure falls within the state tax cap once allowable exclusions and a new PILOT are factored in.

The board moved to approve the budget (motion by Erwin; second by Chris). The motion carried during the meeting and the budget will appear on the district ballot for the May 19, 2026 public vote.

Board members also approved the district's 2026-27 property tax report card, which the administration had included in the board packet. The motion to accept the report card was moved by Sarah and seconded by Erwin and carried as recorded in the meeting minutes.

The presentation included an aid estimate: Stephanie said foundation aid is estimated to rise about 2% and that pre-K reimbursement was estimated at approximately $10,000 per pre-K student for the coming year. She cautioned state aid numbers are estimates because the New York State budget had not been finalized at the time of the presentation.

What happens next: the adopted budget will be presented to district voters on May 19; the board also noted informational materials and a mailed budget pamphlet will be distributed to households ahead of that vote.