Goshen Central School District presents revised $10.13 million budget, lowers tax levy ahead of June 16 revote

GOSHEN — The Goshen Central School District presented a revised 2026–27 budget of $10,133,650 at a public hearing Monday evening, with Superintendent Mr. Tabby saying the plan lowers the proposed tax levy from 3.06% to 2.8% and will be subject to a revote on Tuesday, June 16, when polls are open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. at the Main Street building.

The district projects $9,660,461 in revenue, will use $1,223,189 from reserves and retain a $3,750,000 appropriated fund balance to close the gap, Superintendent Mr. Tabby said. "The revised budget is $10,133,650," he said, and noted the change reduces tax collections by $148,746 compared with the earlier proposal.

Why it matters: district officials said the revision responds to public and board concerns raised at earlier meetings and shifts some savings into student‑centered programs while protecting core services. Officials cautioned that if voters reject the budget on June 16, the district would move to a contingency budget that would require cuts to non‑mandated programs and services.

In the presentation, administrators outlined targeted administrative reductions — including lower contractual amounts for the superintendent, cuts to non‑aligned director lines, reduced legal fees after renegotiation, and elimination of an administrator/tech director position — totaling roughly $185,655. Mr. Tabby said those steps, along with other revenue adjustments, helped permit program restorations and modest new investments in student offerings.

Several program items were specifically preserved or added in the revised plan, the superintendent said: a teacher on special assignment (TOSA) and a high‑school social‑studies teacher remain funded; about $34,000 was added to allow flexibility for course expansion (based on contractual sixth‑period pay); $5,000 each was set aside for new club growth at the high school and CJ Hooker; and music and art equipment/supplies were increased across grade levels (presenters gave a combined figure of about $116,854 for those lines). The budget also includes a temporary web‑hosting expense tied to a transition between vendors, which staff said should be reimbursed once the shift completes.

Administrators projected homeowner impact using sample home values in the village and town of Goshen and estimated the change from the earlier 3.06% levy to 2.8% would amount to roughly $56 less per month on those examples, while noting final tax rates depend on August assessments, equalization, and taxpayer exemptions such as STAR or veterans' exemptions.

Dr. Carter, who reviewed the state's required three‑part budget breakdown, described the administrative component (leadership, legal, data processing, insurance), the capital component (custodial and maintenance, utilities, debt service for voter‑approved projects), and the program component (teachers, special education, transportation, extracurriculars and out‑of‑district placements). He emphasized the program section is the largest share because it directly supports instruction, student services and transportation for activities and any out‑of‑district placements.

On contingency: Dr. Carter warned that a contingency budget — triggered if the budget fails at revote — would force roughly $1.6 million in cuts focused on non‑mandated items. "It means simple non‑mandated programs," he said, listing examples the district would need to review: community use of facilities (which would then be charged), clubs, field trips, select ensembles, theater productions, late buses, non‑mandated athletics, low‑enrollment electives, dual‑enrollment and internship opportunities, and potentially staffing positions across administration, teaching, aides, clerical, maintenance and security.

Public response: During the public comment portion, Joe Connell, a district resident and parent, said he planned to vote yes and encouraged neighbors to do the same. "I do plan to vote yes next week and will be encouraging my friends and family members to do the same," Connell said, thanking the board for revising the plan.

Another resident urged the board to improve outreach and transparency, saying ParentSquare notices were inconsistent and more proactive communications (social media, texts and emails) could help reach voters not subscribed to district platforms. The commenter also suggested targeted outreach to graduating seniors to encourage turnout.

What happens next: The board closed the public hearing after questions and answers; no formal vote on the budget occurred at the hearing. The revised budget goes before voters in a revote on June 16 at the Main Street polling location with polls open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Authorities and context: presenters referenced New York State rules that define which items cannot be cut under a contingency budget and noted recent state aid increases contributed to the higher revenue projection in the revised plan.

The hearing concluded with board members thanking staff and the community and reiterating an appeal for voters to participate in the June 16 revote.