Tomorrow, Tuesday, June 16, district residents may cast their vote on the proposed 2026-27 budget and bus proposition. The vote will be held in the William L. Dwyer Gymnasium at Ogdensburg Free Academy from noon to 9 p.m.
The proposed $58,228,386 budget, which includes a 3.99% tax levy increase, was defeated on May 19. If the proposal is defeated a second time, the district will be required to adopt a $57,579,886 contingency budget, eliminating six additional staff positions and 12 programs, including Summer Marching Band, Driver Education, and all Junior Varsity athletic teams, as well as the closure of the Edgar A. Newell, II Dome. These reductions would be in addition to the cuts already made in the initial proposal.
A contingency budget would also limit the district’s ability to offer community use of school facilities.
In addition to the budget, voters will be asked to consider a transportation proposition authorizing the purchase of thirteen (13) gas-powered buses. The proposition, unchanged from the original proposal, failed alongside the budget on May 19 by a vote of 307-317.
The transportation proposition seeks authorization to purchase the buses at a cost not to exceed $2,521,504. Many of the district’s current vehicles are no longer under warranty, raising concerns about reliability, rising maintenance costs, and long-term safety. After a detailed review, district leaders determined that gas-powered replacements remain the most practical and dependable option for the region’s climate and daily operating demands. While electric buses are part of New York State’s long-term mandate, they carry significantly higher upfront costs and have shown performance challenges in cold-weather districts. For these reasons, electric buses are not a viable option for the district at this time and will not be considered as part of this vote.
Importantly, the proposed bus purchase would qualify for 85% State Aid reimbursement, substantially reducing the local share. The investment is intended to strengthen the safety, reliability, and efficiency of student transportation while maintaining fiscal responsibility.
For more information about the proposed budget and bus proposition, including frequently asked questions and a full presentation, please visit Budget & Finance – Ogdensburg City School District.