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Pelham board outlines $98.26M 2026–27 budget and 3.72% tax‑levy increase ahead of May 19 vote
Summary
Superintendent presented the proposed $98.26 million 2026–27 budget during the required May 6 public hearing, describing a 3.72% compliant tax‑levy increase and the district’s plan to reduce reliance on debt service while preserving instruction and special‑education supports.
The Board of Education convened a state‑mandated public hearing on the 2026–27 proposed budget on May 6. Superintendent (Dr. Champ) said the proposed spending plan totals $98,260,000 and described the district’s approach to balancing instructional priorities with tax‑cap constraints and inflationary pressure.
“We are proposing a 3.72% increase in the tax levy,” Dr. Champ said, explaining that the levy reflects a 2.28% operating component subject to the cap plus a 1.44% capital exclusion. He cited rising salary and benefit costs, special‑education expenses and transportation as the largest budget drivers and described steps to reduce reliance on debt‑service reserve to smooth future tax impacts. He also noted the proposal represents a 2.05% year‑to‑year increase in total spending.
Dr. Champ and board members emphasized community outreach in the run‑up to the vote: short explanatory videos, PTA presentations and a board coffee on May 15. The superintendent said the district projects modest enrollment growth over the next decade and plans to monitor capacity and facilities needs as part of long‑range planning. The budget hearing closed with no public comments recorded; the budget will be on the ballot May 19.
