On April 15, 2026, the Stillwater Central School District Board of Education adopted a proposed $32,273,515 budget for the 2026-27 school year. This strategically refined spending plan focuses on optimizing opportunities for student success while balancing fiscal responsibility to the Stillwater community. Residents will head to the polls on Tuesday, May 19, to vote on the proposed budget, fill three Board of Education vacancies, consider the Stillwater Public Library proposition and elect new trustees.
The spending plan maintains all educational programs and services and includes the purchase of three new diesel- and gas-powered school buses—one large bus, one wheelchair-accessible bus and one small passenger bus. In addition, the proposed budget allocates funding for salary increases for faculty and staff, as well as rising costs for health insurance and other employee benefits. Overall spending would increase by 1.79%, or $566,159, over the current year, primarily due to higher costs for utilities, fuel, insurance and salaries.
“This year’s budget development process required thoughtful planning and difficult choices, given shifting economic conditions and rising costs across many areas,” Superintendent Joseph Mariano, Jr. said. “Despite these challenges, SCSD remains committed to keeping opportunities for student success at the center of every decision. We are proud to have crafted a fiscally responsible budget that reflects our responsibility to the community while fully supporting all six district goals. This spending plan prioritizes safe learning environments, enhances high-quality educational experiences for students and promotes progressive professional development opportunities for staff.”
If voters approve the proposed budget, the projected tax levy—the total amount of money a school district raises through property taxes—would rise by 6.62%. This increase is below Stillwater’s maximum allowable tax levy increase of 6.63%, as determined by the state’s tax levy cap formula.
District officials surmise that school tax rates, which represent the amount residents pay per $1,000 of assessed property value, will rise by approximately 4.50%. Final school tax rates will be determined in August when municipalities finalize their assessment rolls.
This year’s budget vote will take place on Tuesday, May 19, from noon to 9 p.m. in the Stillwater Middle-High School auditorium. For detailed budget information—including early voting and absentee ballot information—please visit the “Budget and Finance” page of the district website.