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New Hartford Board adopts $10.53 million 2026–27 budget after Board of Finance trims spending
Summary
The New Hartford School District board approved a revised 2026–2027 operating budget of $10,530,472 (a 1.99% increase) on March 24 after the Board of Finance required $147,000 in operating cuts and $80,000 in capital reductions; the budget passed 7–1.
The New Hartford School District Board of Education voted 7–1 on March 24 to adopt a revised 2026–2027 budget totaling $10,530,472, a $205,796 increase over the prior year and a 1.99 percent rise.
Superintendent Jeffrey Sousa said the Board of Finance approved a $147,000 reduction to the operating budget and an $80,000 reduction to the capital budget at its March 17 meeting. Sousa and board members identified the operating cuts as $100,000 pulled from Tuition for outplacements and $47,000 from Special Education transportation; those changes, he said, brought the BOE budget to the adopted total.
"The Board of Finance has stated it would cover any shortages next year," Sousa said, adding that the BOF indicated it would not illegally deny funding for an unforeseen special education outplacement.
The motion to adopt the budget was made by Thomas Buzzi and seconded by Penny Miller. The recorded Ayes were Buzzi, Chair Timothy Klepps, Miller, Kirby Morante, Erik Perotti, Jon Puz and Frank Rodenberg; Vice Chair Kristin Young voted Nay. The board recorded the outcome as 7–1–0.
Board members pressed for clarity about the town‑statutory non‑lapsing account, which the board noted holds approximately $160,000. Erik Perotti asked whether the Board of Finance would request the BOE to deplete that account before providing assistance; Sousa said that use of the non‑lapsing account would depend on the size and nature of an overage and that the BOF had signaled willingness to support unforeseen special education needs. Members discussed whether a written understanding between the boards would reduce friction in future budget cycles.
The capital budget was also adjusted: the BOF-directed $80,000 reduction included a $100,000 cut to an oil tank replacement project and advancing a snow tractor purchase into 2026–2027. After those changes the BOE approved a revised capital request of $65,575.
Superintendent Sousa told the board the adopted changes will affect the district’s five‑year capital plan. The next Board of Education meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, May 5, 2026, the same date as the town referendum.
