Highland Falls schools propose $41.49 million budget; vote set for tomorrow

The Highland Falls Central School District presented a proposed $41,489,472 budget for the 2026–27 year, a $726,000 (about 1.78%) increase over the current year, the superintendent said. The district is asking voters to approve a tax-levy increase of 2.03%; the superintendent said that equates to about $11.62 per month on a $300,000 assessed home.

Superintendent (speaker 2) said rising contract and health‑insurance costs and inflationary pressures account for most of the increase, and the district plans to apply $950,000 of fund balance to help limit the levy growth. "So our proposed budget for the 2026–27 full year is $41,489,472," the superintendent said, adding the district expects health‑care premiums to rise and that transportation and maintenance costs are increasing. He warned that if voters reject the budget the district would move to a contingency budget required by New York State law, which would prohibit a levy increase and force roughly $241,000 in additional cuts: "By New York State law, we would not be allowed to increase taxes… It would be flat at 0, and we would have to take $241,000 out of our budget." (speaker 2).

Residents at the workshop asked for specifics about how the fund balance and state impact aid affect the tax rate and what cuts a contingency would require. One commenter pressed the district on special‑education placements and why roughly 50 students receive out‑of‑district services; the superintendent said room and resource limitations, not preference, drive some placements. The budget vote is scheduled for tomorrow at Highland Falls Intermediate School from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.