Auburn school leaders are urging voters to support a $107 million budget proposal and a $7.2 million emergency HVAC referendum as the district navigates state aid uncertainty, aging infrastructure, and pressures to maintain student services.
Superintendent Dr. Misty Slavic and Business Manager Tessa Crawford detailed the district’s financial outlook during a recent taping of Inside Government with host Guy Cosentino. The discussion covered budget increases, use of fund balances, and ongoing efforts to manage COVID-era program expansions.
The proposed 2025-26 budget includes a 2.8% overall spending increase from the current year and a 3.25% property tax levy hike—below the district’s allowable state cap of 3.78%. Officials said the modest increase reflects careful planning amid rising special education costs, expansion of successful programs like music production, and the need to absorb COVID-funded positions into the general budget.
Auburn’s financial picture remains complicated by the delayed adoption of the New York State budget. As of late April, the district had not received final school aid figures, forcing administrators to build the budget assuming minimal increases. Auburn’s foundation aid is expected to rise by 7%, but decreases in other cost aids will likely result in a net gain of less than 1%.
Crawford said the district initially faced a $4 million budget gap and has worked to close it using a combination of fund balance spending and cost controls. Auburn plans to apply about $2 million from its fund balance to cover expenses this year, while also relying on tax certiorari reserves to help manage risks associated with property tax litigation.
“We’re trying to be fiscally responsible while still investing in our students and maintaining our facilities,” Crawford said.
The district’s fund balance remains above the state-recommended 4% threshold, but officials acknowledged it will trend down toward 8% after covering budgetary needs and emergency spending.
Separately, voters will decide on a $7.2 million emergency referendum to replace faulty HVAC equipment installed at elementary schools during recent capital projects. Slavic said the district is pursuing litigation against the equipment manufacturer but cannot delay repairs, as malfunctioning systems have already caused classroom flooding.
Rather than bonding for the project, Auburn will use a mix of its fund balance and capital reserves to cover costs upfront. The district expects to recover approximately 80% of the cost over 10 years through state building aid.
Polls will be open May 20 from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. at Auburn Junior High School, Casey Park Elementary, Owasco Elementary, and Seward Elementary.
If voters reject the budget, the district would revert to a contingency plan based on this year’s funding levels, requiring an immediate $3 million cut in administrative and instructional expenses.
“We’re doing everything we can to support our students, but ultimately, the community will decide the path forward,” Slavic said.
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