SALEM SCHOOL BUDGET VOTE 5/19

The Salem Central School District Budget goes to vote on Tuesday, May 19. If the budget passes, an anticipated 2.65% property tax is expected.

The total proposed budget is approximately $17.87 million, with Programs comprising about 75%, Capital 18%, and Administrative 7%. Major expenses include instructional staff, transportation, employee benefits, and capital projects such as bus purchases and security upgrades.

Considerations in the budget: The District’s tax levy limit is set at 2.65%, based on (according to the materials on the SCS website) a complex formula considering prior levy, growth factors, exemptions, and PILOTs. Exclusions for capital debt, bus leases, and capital outlay projects are factored into the limit.

Capital Budget and projects: Capital projects include. Bus purchases via serial bonds, security upgrades, and Building maintenance. The serial bonds for buses will be repaid over five years, with state aid covering 88.6% of the costs.

In addition to the two Board of Education seats being voted upon, there are three budget propositions that are being put before voters on May 19:

Proposition 1: Proposition 1 approves $17.87 million budget with a 2.65% tax increase.

Proposition 2 : Increases Salem Bancroft Public Library funding by $7,000.

Proposition 3: Proposition 3 authorizes purchasing 3 buses for up to $575,000, financed through bonds.

Proposed 2026-27 Budget At-A-Glance

Total Budget: $17,870,287

Budget Increase: $636,434 / 3.69%

Tax Levy Increase: 2.65%

Current 2025-26 Operating Budget:

Total Budget: $17,233,853

Tax Levy Increase: 8%

Detailed information on the 2026-2027 Budget can be found on the Salem Central School website at salemcsd.org/page/2026-2027-school-budget-and-election

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Polls will be open from 8am to 8pm in High School Room 418. Voters should access the school by using the circle entrance on Warren Street