Voters will go to the polls on Tuesday, May 19 to consider a $10.5 million budget proposal for 2026-27 that includes no increase in local property taxes.
Voting will take place from noon to 8 p.m. in the school library.
St. Regis Falls Central School District Board of Education adopted its proposed 2026-27 budget at its April 14 meeting. The proposed $10,532,356 budget includes a spending increase of $137,609, or 1.32%, over the current year. The proposed local property tax levy would remain at the current year’s level of $3,191,634. As the 0% increase in taxes is below the 4.14% state-imposed tax levy limit, the proposal requires a simple majority to pass.
The proposed budget identifies savings in underused operating supply funds and adjusts administrative responsibilities to help offset rising employee health insurance costs. These steps limit the impact on local taxpayers while preserving student programs and educational opportunities.
The Spanish teacher position remained vacant due to a lack of interested and qualified candidates for the 2025-26 school year and instruction was provided through distance learning. The district will hire a Spanish teacher for the 2026-27 school year.
Within the budget are plans to submit a $100,000 capital outlay request to the New York State Department of Education to modify existing space for transportation operations, including supply storage, offices and employee workstations. With a building aid ratio of 80.8%, the state would reimburse approximately $80,800, leaving taxpayers responsible for about $19,200 of the total cost.
“Our district leaders and board of education worked with great care and intention to craft a budget that does two things well: delivers the quality education our students deserve and respects the financial realities of our community,” Superintendent Denise Howe-Baker said.
Voters will also consider a separate proposition to purchase a diesel-powered pupil transport bus at a cost not to exceed $152,847.87.
This year’s ballot will include the election of one Board of Education member to serve a five-year term beginning July 1, 2026. Eva Fye was the only person to file a nominating petition.
A public budget hearing will be held May 12 at 6 p.m. in the school auditorium to allow residents to ask questions and learn more. The district’s 2026-27 budget newsletter will be mailed to households in mid-May with additional details.
More information is available on the district website at https://www.stregiscsd.org/page/budget.