Christine Caprio

This document details the York School Department's proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2027, which is underpinned by its strategic plan. The plan prioritizes strengthening the educational foundation, fiscal responsibility, and adapting to evolving student needs and demographics through strategic staffing and resource allocation. Key focus areas include fostering academic achievement, cultivating a positive school climate and culture, building community partnerships, ensuring operational excellence, and supporting student learning through curriculum, professional development, and socio-emotional growth. The department aims to provide an equitable, challenging, and integrative education that prepares all students for a lifetime of learning.

The committee discussed and voted on various expenditure and revenue items for the fiscal year 2026. Expenditure items included regular instruction, special education, career and technical education, other instruction, student/staff support, system administration, school administration, transportation, facilities maintenance, debt service, and all other expenditures. Revenue items included the Essential Programs and Services Act, non-tax revenue, school debt service, and additional local funds. Additional warrants were discussed for special education, facilities, instruction, transportation, and legal & administrative services reserve accounts. Capital projects included YHS Science Lab Renovation and YHS Siding Replacement.

The York Budget Committee meeting involved discussions and votes on the FY26 budget, including adjustments to expenditures for regular instruction, special education, career and technical education, other instruction, student/staff support, system administration, school administration, transportation, facilities maintenance, debt service, and all other expenditures. Revenue from essential programs and services, non-tax sources, school debt service, and additional local funds were also reviewed. Additional warrants for special education, facilities, instruction, transportation, and legal & administrative services reserve accounts were considered, along with recommendations for capital bonded projects such as YHS Science Lab renovation and siding replacement.

The York School Department's goals for 2025-2026 include reviewing and maintaining up-to-date policies, developing a two-year school calendar, improving attendance, re-establishing a dropout prevention team, establishing a safety committee, and incorporating methods for communication with families and community members. These goals emphasize student learning, ethical leadership, community engagement, and operational efficiency.

The report provides a detailed overview of the York School Department's financial status for the period of November 2024, including a system-wide breakdown of expenses across various categories such as regular instruction, special education, and transportation. It includes approved funding, planned usage of funds, and a fund balance summary, with a focus on expenses by location and warrant article. The report also touches on future projects, such as generators and HVAC upgrades, and fundraising efforts for the athletic complex.