Wilson Central School District proposes $29.4 million budget, 2.54% tax-levy increase

Salisbury presented the Wilson Central School District’s proposed 2024–25 budget on May 7, saying the district plans a $29,407,840 budget that represents a 0.69% increase from the prior year and a proposed tax levy of $13,351,053, a 2.54% rise over the current levy.

"We've really tried to keep the expenditures down this year," Salisbury said, noting that taxes make up about 45% of district revenue and that the district is using an appropriated fund balance and reserves to balance revenues and expenditures.

The presentation outlined the district's revenue process — starting with the state-calculated tax-levy limit, local revenue projections (rent, admissions, interest) and then state aid, which the presenter said is finalized after the governor’s budget and subsequent legislative action. Salisbury explained the tax-base growth factor (driven by local construction) and an allowable growth factor tied to CPI, and she reported a calculated allowable levy limit of $13,551,147 while saying the board set a levy below that ceiling.

On the spending side, Salisbury said the district reports expenditures in the state-required tri-component format: program (instruction and student services), capital and administration. Program spending remains the largest share — roughly 77–79% historically — with capital and administrative shares remaining relatively stable. She said salary increases reflect contractual obligations and some modest staffing changes, and that benefit costs were increased to cover likely retiree payouts.

Salisbury told the board that some special-education costs and outside-service contract spending decreased because several students in private placements are returning to district programs. She said debt-service costs will rise because of an upcoming bond related to a capital project, and that transportation costs are expected to decline slightly as the district trims bus runs amid driver shortages. The presenter added that transfers include funding for capital outlay and that the general fund will cover about 20% of summer special-education programming.

On staffing, Salisbury listed three teacher retirements this year and a teacher-aide resignation; she said openings have been or will be posted. New or converted positions for 2024–25 include a Winn Learning Center director (requiring a replacement in the current post), one special-education teacher, two aides and converting a social-worker and two grant-funded positions to probationary (permanent) roles.

Salisbury described an elementary-school capital outlay plan to improve the main office and conference room. She said architect LaBella is preparing drawings and cost estimates for projects under $100,000 to submit to the State Education Department by June.

Regarding federal funds, she said remaining American Rescue Plan–type funds and other federal allocations are being spent down by September, with final reports due this fall; the funds are being used for a summer program, final classroom technology purchases and learning-loss curriculum purchases.

Salisbury said the first ballot proposition will be a resolution to adopt the 2024–25 budget at the amount cited in the presentation, and she announced two candidates for three-year board seats: Christopher Carlin and Beth Hart (Hart was present in the audience). The budget and board-seat propositions will go to voters as scheduled.

A board member who spoke after the presentation urged residents to contact state legislators about possible changes to foundation aid, saying earlier expected increases had not materialized and warning any reductions would harm districts across the state. The presenter closed by noting the presentation materials and notes will be posted on the district website.

The hearing concluded with the board moving on to its regular meeting agenda.