Avon budget plan proposes no tax‑levy increase; board seeks staff priorities for $260,000 in aspirations

The Avon Central School District Board of Education heard a budget presentation March 24 in which Superintendent Ryan Pacatte told trustees "there will be no tax levy increase this year." The presentation projected state foundation aid of about 2% and an increase of roughly $700,000 in expense‑driven aid; the district plans to use approximately $1.4 million to close this year’s budget gap.

Pacatte and Business Manager Kristen Murphy reviewed previously discussed "aspirational" items totaling about $260,000 and asked the board whether any should be included in the proposed budget. When asked for his priorities, Pacatte said he "would advocate for an additional ES teacher, ES student council advisor, ES garden advisor, then a MS teacher." Trustees requested that leadership gather staff input and provide a prioritized list and supporting data on class sizes and behavior management ahead of the April 7 final budget vote.

Board members also discussed the level of detail in the district's budget newsletter and requested more itemized information for voters. Technology funding questions were answered by Director of Digital Systems Michelle Burke, who confirmed that funding for Z Space computers is included in the technology software budget. The board will consider the staff priorities and reconvene to adopt a final budget on April 7.