At its April 23 meeting, the Monticello Central School District Board of Education adopted a proposed budget for the 2026–27 school year. The $106,931,082 spending plan represents a 3.29% increase over the current year’s budget and continues the district’s focus on fiscal responsibility, student success and long-term sustainability.
District residents will vote on the proposed budget and elect four members to the Board of Education on Tuesday, May 19 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. at all district polling locations.
More information about voter eligibility, absentee ballots, early ballots, polling locations, and the registration process is available on the budget webpage.
Proposed budget is below tax cap, percentage of the budget funded by taxpayers decreases
The district’s primary goal during the budget planning process is to carefully balance fiscal responsibility with a continued commitment to student success. Monticello CSD strives to minimize tax levy increases while keeping the portion of the budget funded by the tax levy under 50%.
The proposed tax levy is $47.1 million, a 2.68% increase from the prior year. While the district was eligible to increase the levy by a higher percentage (3.99%) under New York State’s tax cap formula, it chose to remain below that threshold, continuing its long-standing effort to reduce reliance on property taxes.
As a result, approximately 44.14% of the proposed budget is funded by the tax levy, with the remaining 55.86% supported by state aid and other revenue sources such as BOCES refunds and fund balance.
Rising costs in several areas, including out-of-district special education placements, transportation, utilities, and insurance premiums, presented challenges during the budget development process. Despite these pressures, the district maintained its commitment to fiscal restraint through careful planning and prioritization.
Meeting Student Needs, Maintaining Strong Operations
The 2026–27 budget proposal reflects continued investment in key operational needs and student services.
The plan accounts for increased costs related to special education placements, transportation for out-of-district programs, and necessary facility upgrades to the heating system at the Duggan Elementary School. These investments are essential to maintaining safe, effective learning environments and meeting student needs.
At the same time, the district continues to align its financial decisions with long-term strategic goals, ensuring resources are directed where they have the greatest impact on students.
Thoughtful Reductions to Preserve Stability
To remain within the tax levy limit, the district identified a series of reductions and cost-saving measures, taking into account declining enrollment and building/department needs.
These include the reduction of six vacant teaching positions, as well as reductions in supplies, contractual services, and instructional materials across the district. All personnel reductions are through attrition or retirement, not layoffs. All current staff and faculty members are accounted for in the proposed spending plan.
By making these targeted adjustments, the district aims to preserve core academic programs and maintain stability in the classroom, while managing overall costs.
Looking Ahead
The proposed budget reflects Monticello’s long-term commitment to financial stability and responsible stewardship of taxpayer resources. Through strategic planning, careful reductions, and continued maximization of funding sources, the district has developed a spending plan that supports students while remaining mindful of the community’s tax burden.
As enrollment trends continue to shift and costs evolve, Monticello remains focused on delivering a balanced budget that positions the district for continued success in the years ahead.