Board approves amendment to school tax resolution fixing equalized tax rates for 2025–26 budget

The Salem Central School District board voted to approve an amendment to Resolution 2 of the School Tax Resolution 2025, fixing equalized tax rates by town and confirming the extension of taxes for the 2025–26 school budget.

During the discussion the chair said the board had been authorized by voters at the annual school meeting to set the budget for the 2025–26 school year at $17,233,853. Board members clarified that the figure was adjusted to reflect the latest state calculations and noted that equalization rates are finalized later in the summer; one staff member explained the calculation timing and that the number represents the usual annual equalization update.

The board approved the amendment on a motion and recorded a unanimous affirmation. Members indicated this approval aligns the district’s roll with the state’s most recent equalization run; they also noted that these calculations typically do not exceed what was originally budgeted and are standard annual adjustments.

What’s next: The district will proceed with the tax-roll extension as presented; staff said the final equalization rates are calculated in August and this action reflects that annual timing.