SCS Readies for Next Budget Year

SCHOHARIE -  Schoharie school officials are getting ready to start constructing the 2025-26 district budget.

School board members last week adopted the 2025-26 school budget calendar.

The budget calendar includes:

* November 21: Board Meeting: 2025-26 Budget Development Calendar approved by the Board of Education.

* November and December: meetings with administrators and supervisors and distribution of budget guidelines and associated budget development tools; Initial requests for 2025-26 budget provided to Superintendent and Business Administrator.

* January 16, 2025: Board meeting: presentation of updated long-range financial plan.

* January (tbd): New York State Governor’s Budget Proposal for State Aid during 2025-26 made available to School Districts.

* February 13: Board Meeting: presentation of preliminary 2025-26 budget.

* March 1: Submission of calculation of 2025-26 Tax Levy Limit to the Office of the New York State Comptroller.

* March 20: Board Meeting: Presentation of tentative 2025-26 budget.

* April 2: Publication of first of four Legal Notices of School Budget Hearing (May 6, 2025) and Budget Vote (May 20, 2025).

* April (tbd): State Legislature Adopts 2025-26 State Budget, including preliminary estimates of aid to education.

* April 21: School Board candidate nominating petitions due in District Clerk’s office by 5PM (30 days preceding budget vote).

* April 22: Date of drawing by District Clerk for determination of order for listing Board Candidates on Election Ballot.

* April 23: Board Meeting: presentation of Revised Tentative 2025-26 Budget, leading to adoption of Proposed 2025-26 Budget; Approval of Propositions; Approval of Property Tax Report Card.

* April 24: Submission of Property Tax Report Card to New York State Education Department.

* April 29: Budget Newsletter finalized and sent to printing company.

* April 29: Budget Statement and required attachments made available.

* May 6: Public hearing on proposed 2025-26 Budget.

* May 7: Budget notice and newsletter mailed to eligible voters after the budget hearing, but no later than six days prior to the vote.

* May 20: Annual meeting. Date of voting by eligible residents on 2025- 26 budget; propositions; members of the Board of Education: Noon to 8PM.

* May 20: Board of Education meeting: Board accepts election results after polls close and results are announced.

* June 17: Statewide Budget Revote Day (if necessary).

* June 18: Voter-approved 2025-26 budget finalized and implemented