Why is there a budget revote?
The proposed 2026-27 budget was defeated on May 19. State law allows the Board of Education to present the same budget for a second vote in lieu of moving directly to a contingency budget.
Has anything changed in the budget for the revote?
No. The Board adopted the $58,228,386 proposal for the June 16 revote. It includes a 3.99% increase to the tax levy and reflects reductions already made earlier in the budget process including the reduction of more than thirty-seven staff positions (ten through attrition) and four programs including modified swimming and cross-country.
What happens if the budget and bus proposition fail a second time?
A second defeat requires the district to adopt a contingency budget, which prohibits any tax levy increase. For Ogdensburg, this would create a $648,000 shortfall and require:
- The elimination of six additional staff positions
- Cutting of 12 additional programs including Summer Marching Band, Driver Education and all JV Athletics
- Inability to provide after-school transportation to the Boys & Girls Club
- Closing the Edgar A. Newell, II Golden Dome for an additional year
- Restricting community use of school facilities
As Superintendent Kendall noted, “A contingency budget isn’t a one-year setback – it’s a multi-year recovery.”
Why is the tax levy increasing?
The district held the tax levy at 0% for six consecutive years, but rising costs – utilities, special education programming, health insurance, and transportation – have outspaced state funding. A 20-year look back shows the proposed tax rate of $21.64 per $1,000 of assessed value is only slightly higher than the $21.55 rate in the 2006-07 school year. The district, beginning with the 2025-2026 school year, allowed tax payments to be split over three payments, as opposed to two payments.
Why did my tax bill go up more than expected?
Many residents saw increases due to citywide reassessment, not because of school district action. The school district does not control property assessments; it only applies the tax rate to values pre-determined by the city.
What is the Transportation Proposition?
Voters will again consider a proposition to purchase thirteen (13) gas-powered buses at a cost not to exceed $2,521,504.
The proposition failed on May 19 by a vote of 307-317 and will return unchanged for the revote.
Why does the district need new buses?
Many buses are no longer under warranty, increasing maintenance costs and raising concerns about reliability and long-term safety. Replacing aging vehicles helps ensure dependable transportation for students.
Why gas-powered buses?
After reviewing performance, cost, and climate considerations, district leaders determined that gas-powered buses are the most practical and reliable option for Ogdensburg’s daily operating needs.
*Electric buses are not currently being considered and would only be pursued if required by a New York State mandate. While they remain part of the State’s long-term transportation goals, electric buses carry substantially higher upfront costs and have demonstrated operational challenges in districts that experience severe winter weather.
How much State Aid would the district receive for the bus purchase?
The purchase is eligible for approximately 85% State Aid reimbursement, meaning the State would cover most of the cost, keeping the local financial impact low. As a result, the bus purchase does not increase the tax levy.
What is the elementary reorganization mentioned in the budget?
Beginning in 2026-27:
- UPK-1 will attend Grant C. Madill Elementary
- Grades 2-6 will attend John F. Kennedy Elementary
This structure aligns with student needs and reduces costs through attrition and resource alignment, helping avoid deeper program cuts. The district will proceed with the reorganization regardless of the outcome of the budget vote.
Why does Ogdensburg’s cost-per-student look higher than other districts?
A simple cost-per-student calculation does not reflect actual needs. Ogdensburg serves over 1,200 students, including more than 275 receiving special education interventions, which require additional staffing, specialized programming, and individualized supports.
What cost-saving measures are already underway?
The district is already actively reducing long-term expenses through:
- An Energy Performance Contract converting buildings to LED lighting
- Replacing three 75-year-old boilers with modern, energy efficient systems
- Strategic staffing reductions through attrition