Iroquois board holds required budget hearing; UPK expansion grant and bus propositions highlighted

Business administrator John Wolske told the Iroquois Central School District board on Tuesday that the district's 2024–25 budget presentation meets New York State's requirement for a hearing seven to 14 days before the budget vote and is substantially similar to prior drafts.

Wolske said the district is projecting roughly 3.44% growth in revenues and that the tax-cap calculation and allowable factors produce about a 3.25% allowable levy increase under current formulas. "This one's different in that the other presentations were kind of part of our budget process. This one's required by New York State," Wolske said during the hearing, noting state-aid volatility and pending foundation-aid studies that could change future funding.

Why it matters: The board must finalize a budget before the May 21 vote; equalization rates from six towns will not be available until July, so the district cannot yet provide precise per-property tax impacts. Wolske also said debt service for the 2020 capital project will rise in 2024–25 but is expected to be matched by state aid, producing a neutral local tax effect.

UPK grant and capital outlay: Wolske confirmed the district received a $360,000 UPK expansion grant to add two classes next year. He explained the expansion uses a $10,000-per-student formula for additional seats and that the grant will pay for staff and room outfitting across primary buildings. The proposed 2024–25 budget also includes a $100,000 capital outlay earmarked for a high-school STEM room and selective brick repointing.

Buses and Proposition preview: Wolske previewed two transportation-related elements: three full-size replacement diesel buses and two smaller cutaway buses including a wheelchair-lift model were listed under Proposition 2 for May 21. He said the district has applied for grants for the smaller cutaway buses and "if we receive those grants and we can buy those buses for less than that price and have them electric, we will do that." Several board members urged caution about electric mandates and supported sending a resolution to Albany seeking more flexibility and funding for chargers and infrastructure upgrades.

What the board did: The board approved adding a zero-emission bus resolution to the agenda for consideration and later added that item to the consensus agenda. The full budget and propositions will appear on the ballot for the May 21 vote.

What’s next: The district will release final per-taxpayer impact once equalization rates are published. The budget vote and school board election are scheduled for May 21; the board will reconvene June 5 for its next regular meeting.