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Berlin Central School District board adopts $26.35 million operating budget, sets 2% tax levy
Summary
The Berlin Central School District Board of Education voted unanimously to adopt a $26,351,128 operating budget for 2026–27 and a 2% tax levy; staff said it will use about $1.0 million of fund balance, prioritize underfunded reserve accounts, and pursue energy‑efficiency grants to reduce future costs.
The Berlin Central School District Board of Education voted unanimously to adopt a $26,351,128 operating budget for the 2026–27 school year and set a 2% tax levy, board members announced at the meeting.
Superintendent Colleen Mills presented the revised budget, saying updated state‑aid figures and other revenue changes left the district with a budget of about $26.35 million and a planned use of roughly $1.0 million from fund balance to close remaining gaps. Mills told the board the net change from prior estimates is smaller than earlier projections and that the district will still aim to leave $422,000 in reserves after the roll‑over.
Mills recommended allocating the maximum available amounts to underfunded workers’ compensation and unemployment reserves first, and then drawing any remainder from the ERS reserve. She also reviewed historical revenue and expense trends and said the district hopes — over three to five years — to rebuild reserves and stabilize operating costs.
The presentation noted the levy increase would produce about $217,485 in additional revenue; staff gave examples of homeowner impacts during the presentation. Mills also highlighted cost drivers including a high local cost‑per‑pupil figure and special‑education placements, and said the district will complete a focused special‑education review this fall to inform staffing and placement decisions.
Rising energy costs were a separate concern: Mills cited increases in heating and electric bills for the elementary and high‑school buildings and said the district should budget about 30% more for utilities next year. She said the district is pursuing an AERTA flex‑tech feasibility study and could apply for a competitive grant to fund a geothermal conversion if deemed feasible.
The board adopted the resolution "that the operating budget in the amount of $26,351,128 as proposed by the board of education be adopted for the school fiscal year 2026 through 2027 and the levy of taxes be assessed therefore in accordance with the law." Frank moved the motion; Elaine seconded. A roll‑call vote recorded seven yes votes and the motion carried unanimously.
Mills also reminded the community that a budget vote for the public will be held June 16 in the middle/high‑school cafeteria from noon to 9 p.m.; booster‑club and athletic‑department fundraisers were scheduled to encourage turnout. The board said public comments submitted for the meeting would be posted on the district website if authors consented.
The board recorded no amendments to the adopted budget during the meeting; next procedural steps are public outreach around the community vote and the planned special‑education review this fall.
