The DCS Board of Education adopted the proposed budget for the 2026–2027 school year at its meeting Tuesday, April 21.
The meeting was livestreamed and is available to watch on demand on the District’s YouTube channel. The budget presentation begins at the 1:01:15 mark. The budget presentation slides are available here and are also included in the meeting agenda posted on BoardDocs.
The community is invited to hear a budget presentation at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, May 5 in Joe Bena Hall.
Voters will head to the polls on Tuesday, May 19, to consider a proposed $22,998,000 spending plan for the 2026‑27 school year that maintains all staff, programs, extracurriculars, athletics and field trips. Polls will be open from 1 to 9 p.m. at the DCS Transportation Building.
The proposal calls for a 2.90% ($268,758) tax levy increase, which is just below the district’s tax levy limit, or “cap.” The district will use $1,396,365 from fund balance and $150,000 from reserves to balance the budget.
The proposed budget reflects an 11.18% ($2,312,000) increase in overall spending; however, it is important to understand the factors driving this change. The majority of the increase is attributable to rising mandated costs needed to sustain current programs and services, including health insurance, property and liability insurance, special education, contractual salary obligations, and higher utility and fuel expenses.
Another contributing factor is the renewal of a bond supporting ongoing work within the Centennial capital projects. While this renewal increases annual expenditures, it is largely offset by a significant increase in state building aid the district will receive next year from earlier phases of the Centennial project. This aid is specifically designated to help cover annual bond payments, reducing the financial impact on local taxpayers.
State aid remains the largest source of revenue for the district (49.5%). Most state aid comes in the form of Foundation Aid, which is projected to increase by just 1% ($54,485) — a smaller-than anticipated increase.
The spending plan includes funding for three new positions: a teacher’s aide to supervise in-school suspension and assist with hall monitoring at the Jr.-Sr. High School; a special education teacher to manage a new 8:1:2 classroom at DES, reducing costly out-of-district placements; and an additional transportation staff member to serve as a full-time mechanic’s helper and bus driver.
“We knew this would be a challenging year to develop a balanced budget, given rising costs of non-discretionary expenses. Because our district is in a strong financial position due to strategic longrange planning, we were able to utilize a larger portion of reserves and fund balance to offset insufficient Foundation Aid that has not kept pace with rising costs. That said, this is not a sustainable long-term strategy,” said Superintendent of Schools Kimberly Ross.
“Even in these challenging times, we continue to prioritize opportunities for our students and staff. By listening closely to our students and families, the district is able to make fiscally responsible, strategic decisions that direct resources where they matter most for student learning and well‑being.”
Bus Purchase Proposition:
A second proposition on the ballot will ask the community to vote on the purchase of two school buses at a cost not to exceed $325,000. One vehicle will be a 65-passenger bus and the other will be a 30-passenger bus. Both will be fueled by gasoline or propane.
Board of Education Election:
Voters will also elect two candidates to serve on the Board of Education for three-year terms to start July 1, 2026. The terms of Toni Amorosi and Alyssa Craig are expiring. The Duanesburg Community Parent Teacher Association (DCPTA) will host its annual “Meet the Candidates Night” at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 12 in Joe Bena Hall.
Absentee Ballots & Early Voting:
Qualified voters may vote by absentee ballot or participate in early voting if they are unable to vote in person on May 19. Voters must first fill out an application with the district clerk. There are separate applications for early voting or absentee ballot, but the application process and deadlines are the same for both. Applications are available on the district website or by contacting the district clerk, Serena Killenberger, at (518) 895-2279 ext. 241. Completed ballots must be received by the district clerk no later than 5 p.m. on May 19.