Central New York Schools Vote on Budgets: Key Proposals in Focus

SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Public school districts across Central New York will vote on their 2025-2026 budgets on Tuesday, May 20. This decision will impact tax levies, transportation costs, and various capital improvements.

Voters will see proposals for electric buses, building renovations, and setting aside funds for future projects. Many districts have made these changes in response to state mandates aimed at reducing carbon emissions.

In the region, the Greece district has proposed buying 35 new diesel buses. However, Churchville-Chili is ahead of state deadlines, seeking to purchase 10 electric buses, each costing approximately $458,000. State support will reduce the cost for Churchville-Chili consumers to about $238,000 per bus.

“While the initial costs seem high, our studies show prices for electric buses will eventually decrease as production ramps up,” said a district representative advocating for electric bus adoption.

Most districts expect to receive tax revenue to fund these initiatives. The total budgets proposed this year range significantly, from $23.5 million in Wheatland Chili to $318 million in Greece.

If a budget fails to pass, districts have options to adjust and revote, as seen last year with Rush-Henrietta. After a failed vote, they cut down their budget by $1.3 million before successfully passing it in a second attempt.

The Rochester City School District, which does not hold public votes, has already proposed a $1 billion budget, pending approval from the Rochester City Council.

This year’s budget discussion and voting emphasize the importance of community input in shaping the future of local education.