RCS proposes 2.2% budget increase, two capital propositions and bus purchases ahead of May 19 vote

RAVENA‑COEYMANS‑SELKIRK — The school district presented its proposed 2026–27 budget and related ballot propositions at the board meeting, asking voters on May 19 to approve the spending plan, two capital projects and authority to bond for three or four buses.

Business administrator Jesse Bohm said the proposed budget is about $58 million — roughly a $1.2 million, or 2.2%, increase over last year — driven primarily by rising health‑insurance and prescription costs. "We're gonna go out with a tax levy at 1.14%,'" Bohm said, adding that the levy figure falls within the state levy limit and that state aid figures are not final.

The budget package includes two capital propositions. The first, described as "a little bit over $6.4 million," would cover roof replacements, stadium turf and track work, lighting, some HVAC upgrades, pool liners and related items. Bohm said the district plans to offset local cost by using about $3.6 million from its capital reserve and expects roughly 70% state aid on eligible work.

A second proposition would add approximately $1.7 million for additional HVAC/cooling (targeting the high school second floor and two elementary schools). Bohm said that second project is contingent on the first passing and that whether it results in a tax impact depends on state maximum allowances per building; early indications were that it could be tax‑neutral. Officials emphasized the final tax effect depends on assessment and state aid calculations.

Voters will also be asked to authorize bonding for vehicle purchases: one 20‑passenger MicroBird and three Bluebird Vision buses, with a total estimated cost of $662,846.77. Bohm said the district plans to auction older buses rather than necessarily trade them in to maximize return.

Officials warned that if the budget fails, the district could either return to voters with a revised proposal or operate under a contingent budget that restricts certain expenditures. "A contingent budget is much more stringent," Bohm said, noting it can bar equipment purchases and outside group use of buildings and constrain raises for employees not in collective bargaining.

Community speakers and board members asked several clarifying questions about how tax rates translate to individual taxpayers and about the state aid limits per building. Bohm and other presenters clarified typical tax‑rate math (e.g., roughly $1 per year for each $100,000 of assessed value was used as a worst‑case illustrative example in discussion) and reiterated that the district hopes final state aid will reduce or eliminate the need to draw on reserves.

Superintendent Craig Chandler and other administrators said staff will continue outreach — including a mailed budget flyer, ParentSquare messages and a planned explanatory video — and invited residents to contact the district office with questions. The board and district encouraged turnout for the May 19 vote at the high school gym.

The board conducted routine business after the hearings, approving minutes and grouped business and personnel items; no final public action on the budget or propositions is recorded in the meeting transcript.

What happens next: The budget, the two capital propositions and the bus purchase authorization are on the ballot May 19; the board will reconvene after the vote to review results.