The district is developing a budget FAQ related to the 2025-26 school budget. If you have any questions related to the budget, please fill out this form.
We will continue to update the FAQ throughout the spring, leading up to the May 20 budget vote.
Updated April 15, 2025
What is in the works for a special educational program for students after grades K-3 who are in a contained classroom?
This will be reviewed on an annual basis depending on the needs of the students and what CCS is capable of providing.
How many students that live within the district do not attend CCS? Does this impact the budget in any way?
BOCES is in charge of the homeschooled students this year. There are 78 homeschooled students and approximately 15 private school students. Depending on the students grade level and their needs, this could have an impact on the budget.
Are attempts being made to try to bring families that have left the district back into the district to address the declining enrollment?
Parents and students choose an environment in which they feel most comfortable. These choices are made for a variety of reasons. Being a public school district, we do the best we can to meet all the needs/desires, but unfortunately there are still some we cannot reach.
Updated April 10, 2025
Why did the tax cap change from 3.18% to 3.17%
The tax cap slightly decreased from 3.18% to 3.17% due to the Jackson solar project on Route 22. As a result, the district will receive a payment in lieu of taxes (PILOT) payment next year, which reduces the tax cap.
Updated April 4, 2025
Will there be summer school for special education students?
The high school summer school and the elementary summer reading program will run regardless of the budget. The elementary extended school year (ESY) program will run if the budget passes. If the district goes to contingency, it cannot offer the ESY program in house. Instead, students would be sent to an ESY program at BOCES.
Will there be sports and clubs next year?
Yes, sports and clubs/extracurricular opportunities will run next year.
How much would taxes go up per $100,000 in assessed value?
At this time, the district can only estimate a price increase per $100,000 on true value.
When calculating the tax rate, the district has eight township assessments (which are set in June), eight equalization rates (set in late July or early August) and the possibility of eight 520/551 (corrections from prior years which come after grievance day for the townships). Those are 24 variables the district does not control. The only variable the district controls is the tax levy.
Based on what we know from last year, our best estimate is that under a 3.18% increase (the tax cap), taxes would increase by approximately $41 ($3.42/month) per $100,000.
Can the district save money on the budget notice mailing by sending it electronically via ParentSquare?
The district is legally required to mail the budget notice to residents. The notice can also be sent electronically via ParentSquare, but that would not replace the legal requirement of mailing the notice.
Can we collaborate with other districts to teach subjects/courses that are not offered at every school?
The district currently receives and offers distance learning courses. The district is open to collaborating with surrounding districts to provide more opportunities for students.
How does purchasing or leasing diesel buses now help in the future if and when we have to go to electric buses?
The district has developed a bus replacement cycle for several years. The NYS Department of Transportation (DOT) recommends school buses be less than 10 years old. Under the current electric bus mandate, the district would not be able to purchase or lease a diesel bus beginning in 2027. Diesel buses purchased or leased before 2027 could be utilized until 2035. An electric bus currently costs nearly four times as much as a diesel bus and is not available to be leased.
Where did the money go during COVID?
During COVID, the state mandated the districts continued to pay salaries of all employees. The district also prepared and delivered meals to students throughout the community. A number of employees reported to the building every day, so areas of the building needed to be cleaned and disinfected in line with the COVID protocols at the time.
Can we get a state income tax credit based on the taxes we pay to the school?
That is a state decision and currently that is not an option in New York state.
Does the district receive lottery aid from the state?
The district receives approximately $1 million in lottery aid each year from the state.
Updated April 3, 2025
What cost increases created the budget deficit this year?
The deficit is caused by a number of factors. According to the January state aid runs, the state aid revenue that the district was projected to receive this year is $130,000 less than anticipated. Additionally, health insurance costs over a two year period (2024-25 & 2025-26) increased by nearly 30%, resulting in a $1.3 million increase. Lastly, after the 2024-25 budget was adopted, the district hired additional staff to accommodate the needs of students, resulting in an increase of approximately $500,000 that was not budgeted.
How is the district addressing the rising health insurance costs?
In the fall, the district assembled a health insurance committee to review other consortiums and health insurance offerings. The committee will continue to review additional offerings next school year. If the district were to leave the consortium, it is required to provide at least six months notice and may be required to pay any outstanding balances that are owed, which could create another budget shortfall for the following year. The district is also considering a wellness program for employees, which could cut down on the district’s use of its insurance.
Has the district maximized attrition opportunities over the past few years?
In the past, the district has not maximized cost savings opportunities through attrition. This year and moving forward, the district will work to realize cost savings based on retirements and resignations through attrition.
How were positions chosen to be cut?
Last year, due to declining enrollment, grades K-2 decreased from four sections to three, which put grades K-6 at three sections each. This year, the high school positions were cut based on providing three sections for high school students as a result of small class sizes due to declining enrollment.
What will the student-to-teacher ratio be next year as a result of the cuts and attrition?
Based on student enrollment and teachers for this school year, the student-to-teacher ratios are currently:
- 10.3 to 1 in the elementary school
- 8.2 to 1 in the junior/senior high school
Based on student enrollment and teacher projections for 2025-26, the student-to-teacher ratios are estimated to be:
- 10.9 to 1 in the elementary school
- 11.0 to 1 in the junior/senior high school
These figures are below the statewide average student-to-teacher ratio.