The school budget is the biggest investment the community makes with its tax dollars. District leaders work to make the most effective use of resources to benefit students, to develop and manage the budget in a responsible and transparent manner and to be accountable to taxpayers.
June 16, 2026 Budget Information
- Board of Education Meeting: Tuesday, May 26, 7 p.m. (HS Library)
- Budget Hearing/Board of Education Meeting: Tuesday, June 9, 6 p.m. (HS Library)
- School Budget Revote: Tuesday, June 16, 12-8 p.m. (HS Gym)
Budget News
Board of Education adopts revised budget proposal for June revote (May 27)
Proposed Tax Impact
| Assessed Value | Estimated Monthly Increase |
|---|---|
| $150,000 | $8.57 |
| $200,000 | $11.43 |
| $250,000 | $14.29 |
| $300,000 | $17.15 |
| $350,000 | $20.00 |
| $400,000 | $22.86 |
Budget Presentation
View the May 26 budget presentation.
Transportation Propositions
Voters to decide on vehicle purchase proposition
Voters will also consider a proposition regarding school bus and van purchases.
The district is proposing to purchase four 70-passenger diesel buses (three new, one used) and one gasoline van. The proposition reflects a total cost of $635,684, utilizing $117,000 of the transportation capital reserve fund to offset the cost. On average, 80% of the cost would be reimbursed through transportation aid.
These proposed purchases are essential to maintaining a full, reliable diesel fleet. With three leased buses scheduled for return at the end of this school year, failing to replace them would force the district to consolidate bus routes. This could result in the elimination of transportation for students living within one mile of their school. Furthermore, it would leave the district with just a single spare bus, severely restricting our ability to accommodate simultaneous field trips and athletic events.
In the event the vehicle proposition passes but the budget proposition is defeated, the district would not be able to move forward with these purchases.
Voters to consider increasing the transportation capital reserve fund
Voters will also consider a proposition to increase the district’s transportation capital reserve fund allocation. By increasing the allocation, the district can place any unspent money in this reserve to save for future bus purchases. This fund operates as a savings account for transportation vehicles and can help offset the cost of purchases in future years.
The district plans to continue purchasing diesel school buses. The NYS EV bus mandate has been pushed back five years. In 2032, districts must start to purchase EV buses with a full fleet by 2040.
May 19, 2026 Budget Information
- Annual Budget Hearing & BOE Meeting: Tuesday, May 5, 7 p.m. (HS Library)
- Annual School Budget Vote & BOE Election: Tuesday, May 19, 12-8 p.m. (HS Gym)
Budget Results
- Budget: 584 no to 554 yes (defeated)
- Public Library: 688 yes to 439 no (approved)
- Vehicle Purchases: 566 no to 546 yes (defeated)
- Transportation Capital Reserve Fund: 572 no to 554 yes (defeated)
- Board of Education Election: Rachel Burr (663 votes) and Joseph Hamilton (630 votes) were elected to three-year terms. Ted Flint received 455 votes.
Table of Contents
- Budget Presentations
- Community Presentations
- Budget News
- Proposed Tax Impact
- Budget Website
- Budget FAQ
- Tax Cap
- Development Calendar
Budget Presentations
- Jan. 8, 2026 Presentation
- Feb. 12, 2026 Presentation
- Feb. 26, 2026 Presentation
- Overview of administrative, capital and program expenses
- Cambridge CSD long-range financial analysis from Dr. Rick Timbs
- March 16, 2026 Presentation
- March 26, 2026 Presentation (budget adoption)
- April 16, 2026 Presentation
- April 30, 2026 Presentation
- May 5, 2026 Presentation (Budget Hearing)
Community Presentations
In addition to the Board of Education meetings and Budget Workshops held at CCS, the district presented the budget at a number of local meetings.
- Village of Cambridge: Feb. 4
- Town of Cambridge: Feb. 9
- Town of White Creek: Feb. 10
- Town of Jackson: March 4
- Community Coffee and Conversation at CCS: April 30
Budget News
- Board of Education hears budget scenarios to address revenue shortfall (Feb. 12)
- Updates regarding the 2026-27 budget; presentation at March 12 BOE meeting (March 4)
- March 12 BOE meeting to begin at 6:30; Budget Workshop to take place March 16 (March 6)
- Board of Education hears long-range financial analysis; considers updated proposals for 2026-27 budget (March 17)
- Board of Education adopts $28.1 million budget proposal for 2026-27 (March 26)
- Budget information from the April 16 Board meeting (April 21)
- District hosts Community Conversation about the proposed budget; Budget FAQ update; Budget Hearing May 5 (May 1)
Proposed Tax Impact
| Assessed Value | Estimated Monthly Increase |
|---|---|
| $150,000 | $18.71 |
| $200,000 | $24.94 |
| $250,000 | $31.18 |
| $300,000 | $37.41 |
| $350,000 | $43.65 |
| $400,000 | $49.88 |
Budget Website
Budget FAQ
Understanding the Tax Cap
- New York State’s Property Tax Cap
- Property Tax Cap Q&A from NYSSBA
- New York’s Tax Cap Formula: How does it add up?
Development Calendar
December 2025
Dec. 11, 2025
- Regular Board Meeting – 7 p.m.
- Transportation and Facilities presentations
January 2026
Jan. 8, 2026
- Regular Board Meeting – 7 p.m.
- Budget preparation overview and update of progress already made
Jan. 22, 2026
- Budget Workshop – 6 p.m.
- Revenue and expense estimates review
- Review of salaries and benefits
February 2026
Feb. 12, 2026
- Regular Board Meeting – 7 p.m.
- Anticipated revenue for 2026-27
Feb. 26, 2026
- Budget Workshop – 6 p.m.
- Review of tax levy and estimated state aid
- Review of expense budget for all codes
March 2026
March 1, 2026
Submit information to calculate tax levy limit to the Office of State Comptroller & NYSED
March 12, 2026
- Regular Board Meeting – 6:30 p.m.
- Board approval of separate propositions
March 16, 2026
- Budget Workshop – 6 p.m.
March 26, 2026
- Board Meeting – 7 p.m.
- Presentation of final 2026-27 budget
- Adoption of 2026-27 budget and property tax report card
April 2026
April 2, 2026
Publication of legal notice, time and location of school budget hearing and budget vote.
April 16, 2026
- Regular Board Meeting – 7 p.m.
- Publication of legal notice, time and location of school budget hearing and budget vote.
April 20, 2026
Deadline for submission of Board of Education petitions due to the District Clerk’s Office by 4 p.m. Absentee ballots available upon request.
April 30, 2026
Publication of legal notice, time and location of school budget hearing and budget vote.
May 2026
May 5, 2026
Annual Budget Hearing & Regular Board Meeting – 7 p.m.
May 6, 2026
Budget notice mailed to residents including property tax report card. Budget newsletter available to the public.
May 14, 2026
Publication of legal notice, time and location of school budget hearing and budget vote.
May 19, 2026
Budget vote (including any special propositions) and election of Board of Education candidates 12-8 p.m. Absentee voting ballots due by 5 p.m.
Departments &
Services Links
- Budget
- Counseling Services
- Facilities
- Food Services
- Health & Wellness
- Pupil Services & Special Education
- Technology
- Transportation
Contact
Michele Hogan
School Business Administrator
michele.hogan@cambridgecsd.org
518-677-2653, ext. 1016
Budget & Finance Links
- ARP ESSER Plan (COVID Funds)
- Budget Archive
- Capital Projects
- School Tax Information
- Voting Information & Eligibility