Horseheads Central School District

The Board discussed budget development, including current state aid, tax cap calculation adjustments, and revenue projections. Key topics included the potential impact of universal pre-K, the use of reserves, and BOCES-related cost adjustments. The Board also reviewed the fleet management for transportation vehicles and discussed the timeline for future budget meetings and adoptions.

The meeting featured a presentation on the 2026-2027 Budget Overview, covering projected state aid, tax cap calculations, revenue and expenditure summaries, and specific budget details for athletics and instruction. Key discussion topics included expense reductions, the inclusion of funding for three assistant principals, health claims, a superintendent search, vehicle replacements, and laptop replacement cycles. The Board also reviewed a budget gap and potential gap-closing resources, as well as a schedule for future budget-related meetings.

The meeting focused on the third phase of the 2030 strategic plan, which is nearing its conclusion. Presentations were provided by the project manager and project principal regarding building condition surveys and proposed facility improvements across various schools in the district. Key topics included classroom resizing, climate control implementation, mechanical unit upgrades, parking lot expansions, roof replacements, and general site improvements. Two specific options were presented for discussion regarding elementary school renovations, while upgrades for the middle school, high school, and bus maintenance facility were detailed with specific exclusions regarding classroom aesthetic renovations and network infrastructure redundancies.

The meeting included an executive session to discuss tenure reviews and personnel matters. Key business items included an update on an ad hoc committee report timeline, with a motion to modify the current schedule. Representatives from various employee associations discussed the proposed 2026-2027 budget and advocated for the addition of elementary school administrators. Community members and transportation staff raised concerns regarding student behavioral issues on school buses and requested the re-implementation of floating bus monitor positions to improve student safety and support drivers.

The meeting included a review of the safety plan, during which concerns were raised regarding specific agency references and the need for district-specific updates. An agenda item regarding the safety plan was withdrawn and postponed to allow for revisions. The board proceeded to approve the appointment of an impartial hearing officer. Additionally, a presentation was delivered regarding the budget development process, highlighting state aid projections, the tax levy calculation, and specific technology department expenditures, including equipment and software requirements.