Board of Education members are considering $13.99 million budget for the 2026-27 school year.
The budget proposal is scheduled to be adopted by the board at its April 22, 6:30 p.m. meeting.
As proposed the budget would carry a 2.01% property tax increase and represents a $1 million—7.87%—increase in spending.
Actual spending on traditional items is increasing by about 6%, Superintendent Jennifer Cannavo said, with the remaining spending increase being set aside for a bond anticipation note that may not be needed if state approval of the capital project comes through in a timely manner. Additionally, she said, the bond anticipation note, if needed, would be funded through the use of fund balance and not property taxes.
A savings, the superintendent noted, is being found this year in employee health insurance, which the school has been able to lower the cost of by joining a health insurance consortium for small schools.
“Initially, we were facing a 20% increase in cost [of benefits], but now we will see a slight reduction in costs,” she said.
Cannavo said the spending plan keeps staffing levels and programming and continues to reflect the school’s values.
The 2.01% tax levy increase being considered by the board of education falls within the state’s allowable tax cap. As such, the proposal requires a simple majority, 50% plus one vote, for approval.
Following the April 22 meeting, the board has scheduled on May 6 a
budget hearing for public comment on the proposal. The hearing will begin at 6:30 p.m.
The annual budget vote will take place on May 19 from noon until 8 p.m. at the school, which is located at 19 Ward’s Lane in the village.