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Somers Central School District proposes $115.94M budget; tax levy to rise about 2.31% within cap
Summary
The Somers Central School District on March 17 presented a proposed $115,938,313 2026–27 budget — roughly $2.4 million higher than this year — that would raise the tax levy about $2.1 million (≈2.31%), keep the district within the allowable tax-cap calculation and rely on reserves and state aid assumptions.
The Somers Central School District Board of Education on March 17 reviewed a proposed $115,938,313 budget for the 2026–27 school year that would increase district spending by roughly $2.4 million from the current year and raise the district tax levy about $2.1 million, or approximately 2.31%.
Chris Platania, who led the revenue presentation, said the numbers rely on the governor's budget proposal for state aid and a 1% increase in foundation aid. "As of today, currently, we're looking at a proposed budget for next year of $115,938,313," Platania said, noting the presentation focused on revenues after earlier discussions concentrated on expenditures.
The district estimated the tax rate would rise about 2.38% based on current assessments. Platania walked trustees through aid projections that include a modest rise in foundation aid and higher BOCES aid, while building aid is expected to fall by roughly $100,000 because of a lower building-aid ratio. He also said the district plans a small increase in the use of appropriated fund balance and reserves.
Board members and student representatives pressed for clarity on specific measures. One trustee asked for the district's per-pupil cost; Platania said he would provide that figure in follow-up. Trustees praised a slide that breaks down where budget dollars flow — salaries and benefits, which Platania said account for about 72% of the budget, followed by operations and technology at roughly 7% and special education costs at about 6% (excluding salaries).
Platania outlined options if voters reject the budget: the district may resubmit the same budget for a June 16 revote, present a revised budget on June 16, or adopt a contingent budget that would require no tax-levy increase and force roughly $2.1 million in additional cuts. "If the budget is not approved by the voters, then the district does have a few options," Platania said, warning that a contingent budget would likely require eliminating positions or programs.
The board scheduled a second budget summary presentation for April 21, a public budget hearing on May 5 and the budget vote and trustee election for May 19. Trustees encouraged the administration to post clear, stand-alone explanatory slides on the district website so residents can better understand the breakdown of expenses.
Next steps: the board will refine figures as state aid becomes final, revisit slides at the April 21 summary presentation and plan outreach ahead of the May 19 vote.
