2024-25 Budget Development Begins in Cazenovia CSD
The Cazenovia Central School District began the 2024-25 budget development process at its first board of education budget work session held on Monday, February 5, 2024.Superintendent Christopher DiFulvio and Assistant Superintendent / School Business Official Thomas Finnerty presented the highlights of Governor Hochul’s executive budget proposal, which includes a modest increase in state aid to school districts across the state due to declining enrollment in New York schools over the last decade.
Under the proposal, our district would receive a projected reduction in state aid of -$339,823. With a simple rollover budget based on the current school year, Cazenovia would need to generate an estimated $1,854,276 million in revenue to offset expenses and the estimated reduction in state aid.
Administration also shared the district’s maximum allowable tax levy limit, which is 4.4% for the 2024-25 school year. The limit is the threshold by which a simple majority of voters is required for approval.
Cazenovia’s academic programming, course offerings and graduation rates were highlighted, and staff and student enrollment data were also shared. Currently, students at the high school have 23 options for Advanced Placement and college credit courses. The CCSD graduation rate has held steady at 96% for the past two years.
Total enrollment at Cazenovia has declined over the last ten years, with an average loss of 20 enrolled students per year. This year, CCSD saw a decrease of ten students from last year while adding 34 students in UPK. Class sizes trend slightly above the statewide averages at the elementary and middle school levels.
The budget process will continue over the next three months. Information regarding Board of Education meetings can be found on our website.
The annual public hearing on the proposed budget will be held on Tuesday, May 14, 2024, at 6:30 pm in the High School auditorium. The annual budget vote and election will take place on Tuesday, May 21, 2024, from 7:00 am to 9:00 pm in the Middle School aux gym.
