Rhinebeck board previews $53.8M, tax-cap-compliant budget and schedules Oct. 1, 2026 bond referendum

At a Rhinebeck Board of Education meeting, district leaders presented a proposed 2026–27 budget totaling $53,809,488 and said the plan would raise the school tax levy by 2.38% — "right at the tax levy cap," Mr. Burke said. The briefing described a $1.2 million year-over-year spending increase and said most revenue still comes from property taxes, roughly 85% of the district's revenue mix.

Why it matters: The proposed budget is framed to remain tax-cap compliant while funding staff, special-education placements, curriculum and targeted capital work. District officials also previewed a bond referendum set for Oct. 1, 2026 to fund campus and athletic improvements; if approved by voters, the bond would pay for multi-year upgrades the district said are timed to take advantage of debt that is rolling off.

Mr. Burke outlined key budget figures and local projections. "The proposed budget increase is 2.38%, right at the tax levy cap," he said, and officials noted a projected modest enrollment change: current enrollment listed at 1,384 with an estimated 14-student decrease for next year. A staff presenter added that state aid is expected to rise "about 1% year over year," calling that a small increase that puts pressure on local budgeting.

The presentation named several expense drivers: rising health insurance costs, higher costs for outside special-education placements and transportation (an increase of about $500,000 year over year was noted), and mandatory employer retirement contributions. The budget plan also includes a proposed new in-house therapeutic support hire (a psychologist or social worker) and funding for a new elementary ELA curriculum.

Capital and facilities: District officials said they will continue a transfer to capital of about $485,000 to support electrical upgrades, HVAC and boiler replacements, and a Daniel Warren gym-floor replacement without bonding. The proposed Oct. 1, 2026 bond referendum was described as focused on athletics (two all‑weather fields, restroom and concession upgrades, and an improved handicapped-access circular driveway), the science wing and other campus improvements. Mr. Burke said the district would pursue public outreach, including monthly livestreams and a bond-specific email address (bond@rynec.org) for questions.

Votes at a glance: The board approved the consent agenda (minutes, personnel actions, policy adoptions for first readings, participation in Southern Westchester BOCES cooperative bids and related routine items) by voice vote. The board also accepted the Keith B. Yizer Memorial Scholarship to be awarded beginning in 2025–26 and formally accepted several Rhinebeck School Foundation grants. Finally, the board ratified a memorandum of agreement with CSEA (MOA dated 03/18/2026 covering 07/01/2026–06/30/2030). In all cases the transcript records voice votes of "Aye"; no roll-call tallies were announced.

Community and school reports: Student senate ex officio Spencer Elliott reported on student events (the high school musical, prom and a 32-team pickleball tournament) and upcoming activities including a spring pep rally and 'Panthers for Purpose' volunteer day. Representatives from the Rhinebeck School Foundation, the Booster Club and the PTSA summarized recent grants, fundraising and community events.

Next steps: District officials noted two additional public budget hearings in April and May ahead of the May 19 budget vote and trustee election, and said a final public budget hearing will follow; the bond outreach schedule includes a livestream on March 25. The presentation and materials will be posted on the district website.

Sources and attribution: All direct quotes and reported figures are drawn from remarks recorded in the board meeting transcript and attributed to the speaker list below. Vote outcomes are reported as recorded in the meeting (voice "Aye"); no numeric roll-call tallies were provided in the transcript.