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Superintendent outlines 2% tax cap, $4.7M funding shortfall and district performance
Summary
Superintendent Dr. Aya Kennedy presented the 2026–27 budget plan that adheres to a 2% tax increase limit set by the board, told members the state adequacy target leaves the district about $4.7 million short and reviewed graduation, AP and proficiency figures as well as planned facilities work and safety upgrades.
Superintendent Dr. Aya Kennedy presented the district’s proposed budget and performance metrics, telling the Elmwood Park Board of Education that the administration is holding to a 2% tax increase cap while seeking efficiencies to cover rising costs.
"We have to figure this out...we have to figure this out," Kennedy said, noting the board’s direction given in prior months to cap increases at 2 percent. She told the board that, according to the state adequacy calculation, the district is "underfunding us $4.7 million," a shortfall the administration said it is offsetting with internal adjustments and cost‑saving measures.
Kennedy reviewed student performance and program participation. She reported a graduation rate of 86.4% and said 11.5% of students were enrolled in at least one Advanced Placement course; 68 of 92 AP testers scored 3 or above. She also cited a 13% dual‑enrollment participation rate and said career‑technical education currently accounts for approximately 1.1% of students. Kennedy identified math proficiency as a continuing gap (district ELA proficiency 48.6% vs. state 52.2%).
On facilities and program investments, Kennedy pointed to recent projects completed or underway — a new football field, a media center, preschool expansions and lockout systems — and said pre‑K classrooms will open on Sept. 1 and acceptances will be sent to families in the coming days. She described a wider community school vision and a proposed community career hub to expand CTE offerings and adult education in the evenings.
Board members asked questions and later praised specific program expansions announced in the meeting. The administration did not present a final adopted budget vote at this session; the presentation framed expected fiscal constraints and next steps for budget adoption.
