Berlin Central reviews $26.35M budget, proposes 2% levy increase ahead of vote

Presenter outlined the Berlin Central School District’s revised 2026 draft budget, saying the district expects just under $25 million in revenue, proposes a 2% tax levy for the June vote (within the 2.16% cap) and a total spending plan of $26,351,000, leaving a budget gap of roughly $1,400,000.

"Next levy, our tax levy for this June vote is 2% that is under the cap of 2.16," Presenter said, adding the levy increase represents about $217,000 and roughly $23.13 per $1,000 of assessed value.

The district plans several program and operating changes to narrow the gap. Presenter said pre‑K would be brought in‑house using district staff, which the district anticipates will yield about $10,000 per student in revenue but will require purchases of furniture and supplies. A previously budgeted half‑time math position will be continued, and another teacher will be scheduled to provide a half‑time elementary librarian.

Facilities and operations adjustments include several small maintenance projects identified in a community survey, a planned reduction of one weekly bus run (shifting service to Monday–Thursday) to reduce driver workload and cost, and a review of instructional‑software subscriptions the district has not yet renewed.

"There is no extra money in special ed," Presenter said, noting that special‑education materials and conferences are expected to be covered by grant funds where possible and that contingency dollars for special education were reduced.

During public comment, a resident raised labor‑cost concerns and the employment cost index, warning that reducing contingency funds "will have direct impact on educational outcomes for our students and on the future prosperity of our community." The director thanked attendees for the feedback and said the board and administration are seeking efficiencies while trying not to cut student services.

Savannah, a resident who identified herself during comment, asked why her property taxes rose from about $2,500 in 2022 to $3,100 last year and pressed the district for clarity on per‑pupil spending and how special‑education costs compare to general‑education costs. Director said Berlin’s identified special‑education percentage is higher than the state average and that an independent review is under way to provide data and recommendations.

Director said the district has retained a third party, Questar, to conduct a special‑education review that will examine co‑taught classrooms, student ratios, teacher and TA staffing, and comparables; results and recommendations are expected in the fall.

On capital and facilities work, Director said the district is closing out the North Portico roof project, repairing and relocating a damaged fence, and exploring a New York State geothermal grant to potentially fund alternative energy for district buildings.

Director and staff emphasized the board’s preference to collect data before committing to large equipment purchases or operational changes—citing an example of evaluating whether to buy different sizes of trucks and mowing equipment before outsourcing mowing decisions permanently.

The district reminded the public that the budget vote is scheduled for next Tuesday, 12:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m. in the middle/high school cafeteria, and announced a concurrent chicken‑barbecue fundraiser to support athletics.

The hearing concluded without a board vote; the next formal step is the public budget vote next Tuesday.