Berne-Knox-Westerlo CSD is not alone in facing rising costs as it plans its proposed budget for the 2025-26 school year. Like many regional/statewide districts, we are identifying how expenses will play a role in its final budget proposal that will go before voters on Tuesday, May 20.
Superintendent Bonnie Kane shared, “Like many districts, rising operational costs will affect strategic planning and programming this year. We are carefully considering all options to create a fair and fiscally responsible budget that best serves our school community. We will share updates with taxpayers as we approach the budget vote.”
This year, the district is seeing significant cost increases in the following areas, which are driving up the expenses for the 2025-26 proposed budget:
- Utilities & Fuel Costs are expected to increase by a minimum of 10 percent
- Auto & Property Insurance will see a 5-10% increase
- Health Insurance and prescription premium costs will each rise at a rate of 5- 10%
- Staff Contracts, including contractual salary increases. Only one contract is up for renewal (other contracts are settled through 2026)
- New York State Teachers’ Retirement System and Employee Retirement System costs will increase: 9.6% and 16.5% respectively.
- Educational Partner Costs (Capital Region BOCES), service charge expected to increase by 5% and teaching services to reach 10% for 2025-26 school year
At this time, the district expects the budget proposal to carry a 3.3% percent tax levy increase which will require the support of a simple majority of voters (50 percent +1) for budget approval.
The district will continue to prepare its proposed budget over the coming weeks. Superintendent Kane will share details via budget presentations at upcoming Board of Education meetings, and additional information will be shared via the website. Please note that the next budget workshop will be Thursday, April 10 at 7:45PM. For information about the proposed budget, visit: https://www.bkwschools.org/budget-taxes/
Community members can follow our district calendar to stay updated on upcoming Board of Education meetings and presentations. You can find that calendar on our homepage at www.bkwschools.org.