Manchester-Shortsville CSD Budget FAQs

The Manchester-Shortsville Central School District is committed to providing transparent and accessible information about the 2025-2026 school budget. This FAQ outlines key details regarding the budget timeline, tax levy, state and federal funding impacts, bus replacement plans, and the Board of Education election process. It also highlights opportunities for community involvement and where to find additional information. This guide is designed to keep the community informed and engaged as we work together to support our schools and ensure long-term sustainability.

The 2025-2026 school budget process follows a clear timeline. Petitions for Board of Education candidates will be available from the District Clerk (Tim Burns) starting on March 21, 2025. The first legal notice of the District Budget Hearing, Vote, and Election will be published on April 4, 2025. Budget Adoption and Presentation #4 will take place on April 10, 2025. The Property Tax Report Card must be submitted by April 11, 2025, and Board of Education petitions are due to the District Clerk by 5:00 PM on April 21, 2025. The budget must be finalized by April 30, 2025. Copies of the proposed budget will be available to the public on May 1, 2025. The Budget Hearing will be held during the Board of Education meeting on May 8, 2025. The deadline for mailing the Budget Notice is May 14, 2025, and the Community Vote will occur on May 20, 2025, from 8 AM to 8 PM in the RJ Auditorium Foyer.

The Tax Cap limit for the 2025-2026 school year is $8,489,155, reflecting a 4.02% increase allowing the District to increase the tax levy by $328,099. The District continues to be fiscally responsible and is looking at a 1.89% tax increase which would increase the tax levy by $157,509.  Anticipated that the tax rate would increase from 17.79 to 18.13.

The tax levy is the total amount of money a school district collects in taxes each year from all property owners in the district.

The tax rate is calculated by dividing the total tax levy by the total taxable assessed value in the community. Tax rates can change based on municipal assessments and state equalization rates, which are set in the summer. When new development occurs, the tax burden is spread across a larger tax base, which can lower individual tax bills.

The Governor's proposal impacts state aid in several ways. Foundation Aid is set to increase by $1.46 billion statewide with a minimum district increase of 2%. Red Jackets Foundation Aid is proposed to increase by 4.53%,  $392,622. School meals will remain free for all students under her proposal. Regarding technology, the Governor proposes a "bell-to-bell" prohibition on smart device use. Electric buses remain unaddressed in the Governor's proposals.

Federal grant appropriations for FY25 may significantly impact district funding. Title II funding, which supports professional development, would be eliminated under the House proposal but remain level under the Senate. For Red Jacket specifically, Title I funding is expected to decrease, reducing support for a 0.33 literacy/reading teacher. IDEA funding will remain relatively unchanged. Title II cuts will eliminate 0.33 of curriculum writing support. The National School Lunch Program faces a reduction, meaning Red Jacket’s funding will drop from $430,098 to $381,722, ending free meal coverage.

Proposition 2 authorizes the use of the Bus Purchase Reserve to acquire new buses. This includes two large 65-passenger buses costing $381,250 and one mini wheelchair-accessible bus for $118,700. With a transportation aid rate of 90%, the district will cover these costs using existing funds, ensuring no impact on the budget or tax levy.

Proposition 3 involves the Board of Education vote. Two seats currently held by Barbara Gardner and Scott Van Aken are expiring. The new five-year terms will run from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2030

Community members are encouraged to engage in the budget process by attending budget presentations, including the final one on April 10, 2025. They may also submit Board of Education candidacy petitions by April 21, 2025, participate in the Budget Hearing on May 8, 2025, and vote on the budget on May 20, 2025, between 8 AM and 8 PM.

For more information, community members can visit the district website for updates and resources. Questions regarding Board of Education petitions can be directed to the District Clerk, Tim Burns. Copies of the proposed budget will be available starting May 1, 2025, for public review.

The School Tax Relief (STAR) program provides partial school property tax savings for eligible homeowners in New York State. There are two STAR programs:

• Basic STAR: Available to most homeowners on their primary residence.
• Enhanced STAR: Provides greater savings for senior citizens meeting income requirements.

For eligibility details, visit: STAR Program.

You are qualified to vote if you are

• 18 years of age or older
• A resident of the Manchester-Shortsville CSD for at least 30 days
• A United States citizen
• Not otherwise disqualified under Election Law Section 5-106