At its April 20 meeting, the BKW Board of Education adopted a proposed budget for the 2026-27 school year. District residents will decide on the proposed $24,729,966 budget on Tuesday, May 19.
In addition to the proposed budget, residents will also vote on the purchase of three gasoline buses and elect two members to the Board of Education.
The proposed budget calls for a spending decrease of $7,362. If approved by voters, the budget would carry a 3.77% increase in the tax levy for next year. Because the tax levy increase meets the district’s legal limit, as defined by New York’s tax levy cap legislation, a simple majority of voters (50% plus one) is needed to pass the budget.
Projected aid funding
Because the state budget was not approved at the time the board adopted the proposed budget, the district used a conservative approach to budget planning based on the aid amounts outlined in the governor’s preliminary proposal. Our district, along with approximately 75% of New York schools, is projected to receive a 1% increase in foundation aid. Foundation aid is the formula used by New York state to determine state funding allocations for school districts. Despite reducing health insurance spending with the new district structure, rising operational costs far outpace expected aid.
New employee health insurance plan
In response to escalating insurance costs, the district is transitioning to a more cost-effective health insurance model next year. Projected increases were more than 15% with the previous plan. The district was able to secure a new plan that significantly reduces costs while maintaining all health plans for current employees and retirees.
Continued expansion of in-house specialized programs
The proposed budget includes the addition of an in-district special education classroom for students in K-3. This class is designed around the needs of current out-of-district students and incoming Kindergarten students, and will be an individualized program focused on communication, academics, and daily living skills. This shift allows more students to return to the BKW school community and receive high-quality, individualized instruction closer to home, and will continue the district’s effort to expand its own specialized programming to better meet student needs – two special education classrooms were introduced this school year – while containing the high costs of out-of-district placements and eliminating long commutes for students.
How to learn more about the proposed budget
Similar to previous years, Superintendent of Schools Mrs. Kane will provide budget updates, via ParentSquare and our district website, to keep the school community informed. If you are not yet registered to receive ParentSquare notifications, please view the school-to-home communication page on our website for instructions. Community members in the district are encouraged to create accounts as well.
We encourage residents to frequently check the budget and finance page on our website for new budget information. A four-page budget newsletter will also be mailed to all residents in the district before the vote.
The community is also invited to attend the budget hearing on Tuesday, May 5, at 7 p.m. in the Elementary School cafeteria.