Carmel Central presents $153 million budget with slight tax decrease, using reserves

Superintendent Michael Plaka presented the Carmel Central School District’s 2026 budget to the Paterson Town Board, saying the plan preserves educational programs while balancing fiscal responsibility and community impact. "We know that the budget is about $153,000,000 which represents a 3.7% increase over last year," Plaka said, and noted the district is forecasting a historic negative one‑tenth of a percent tax decrease.

Plaka told board members the district will apply roughly $3,940,000 from restricted reserve accounts to help achieve the tax reduction while maintaining funds for insurance, repairs and retirement contributions. He said the district publishes a multi‑page spreadsheet on its website that breaks down line‑item justifications and that the plan reflects multi‑year fiscal planning. Board members praised the "student‑first" theme and transparency and asked staff to supply additional performance statistics alongside financial reporting before voters cast ballots on May 19.