OGDENSBURG, NY –
The Ogdensburg City School District will hold a public budget hearing on Monday, June 8, 2026 at 6 p.m. in the OFA Cafeteria B. The hearing provides community members an opportunity to review details of the proposed 2026-27 budget and ask questions ahead of the June 16 revote.
In addition to the proposed budget, voters will again consider the 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.
The proposed $58,228,386 2026-27 budget presented for revote remains the same spending plan rejected on May 19 and includes a 3.99% increase to the local tax levy. The district previously outlined several key components of the proposal, including continued support for academic programs, student services, and operational needs, while remaining mindful of rising costs that affect both families and school districts statewide. District leaders emphasized that the plan reflects a balance between meeting student needs and maintaining fiscal responsibility to tax payers.
A list of frequently asked questions about the transportation proposition and other aspects of the proposed budget is available on the district’s website at here.
The budget revote will take place on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, from noon to 9 p.m. in the William L. Dwyer Gymnasium at Ogdensburg Free Academy.