Revised Budget Aims to Preserve Programs

June 2, 2025
 

Addressing budget challenges for 2025-26, Cazenovia Central School District has developed a revised proposal focused on preserving core educational programs and exploring new opportunities. This new $39,617,418 plan includes a 3.14% tax levy increase (the district’s calculated limit) and will go before voters on June 17. To learn more about the revised budget, visit the business office webpage. The district aims to preserve programs, positions, and services, and protect against additional cuts beyond those already established.

"Our overall goal was to identify concrete ways to optimize resources and generate revenue, while maintaining a well-rounded education for all our students," said Superintendent Chris DiFulvio.

Budget Development and New Revenue Exploration

The district maintains a consistent, comprehensive yearly budget review, ensuring fiscal responsibility and a commitment to preserving core educational programs. This ongoing process involves a thorough examination of internal efficiencies, including staffing levels, scheduling gaps, Chromebook repair costs, technology subscriptions, and fostering in-house professional development. Some financial assessments led to reductions in club allocations and stipends. To further mitigate cuts and generate revenue, the district is pursuing various external options, including selling property, facility use fees, district mergers, advertising, and seeking emergency funding.

Public Hearing and Re-Vote 

District residents should watch their mailboxes for a school budget postcard providing details about the revised budget. For any questions, please call the district office at 315-655-1317.

The re-vote on the 2025-26 school budget will take place on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, with polls open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. in the Middle School Aux Gym for all qualified voters. 

The district encourages all community members to attend the public hearing and participate in the upcoming re-vote to help shape the future of Cazenovia CSD. A vote “YES” is that you approve the revised budget plan, and a vote “NO” is that you reject it and the school would be required to adopt a contingent budget of $38,898,899, requiring additional cuts of $718,519.

 

What happens if the June 17 proposal fails?

If voters reject the proposal on June 17, there is no option for another public vote. By law the district must go to a contingent budget. The tax levy would remain at the current year's amount with no allowable increase to accommodate rising costs. Without that revenue, the district would have to make additional cuts in the amount of $718,519.

Items that by law must be removed from a contingent budget include the $100k Capital Outlay Project (which in 2025-26 would be gym floor refinishing or door hardening for security purposes), most equipment purchases, certain student supplies, bus purchases, no office equipment rentals, and management confidential employees salary increases.

Other expenses that the district may still have to reduce to ensure there is NO tax levy increase include athletics, extracurricular activities, field trips, pre-existing contractual obligations, and the use of public facilities.