School districts across New York are heading into next week’s budget votes under growing financial pressure, according to Spectrum News, as rising personnel costs collide with tax cap limits and uncertain state aid.
District leaders said salaries, pensions, and health insurance now consume more than 60% of school budgets, leaving little flexibility as expenses climb. Gananda Central School District Superintendent Shawn Van Scoy said districts must constantly balance student needs against what taxpayers can afford.
The stakes are high ahead of the May 19 votes. Under state law, districts only get two chances to pass a budget before falling into a contingency plan with no tax levy increase — a scenario that can force program and service cuts if voters reject spending plans twice.
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