Spencer-Van Etten Central School District residents voted 128 to 60 on Tuesday, May 20, to approve the district’s proposed $29,070,645 budget for the 2025–26 school year. Voters also elected two candidates Sean Vallely and Karen Johnson to the Board of Education. The results will remain unofficial until the Board of Education meeting on June 12.
The approved budget reflects a projected spending increase of $1,298,244 over the current year, primarily driven by rising costs in salaries, health insurance, and BOCES services. The plan includes a 1.56% tax levy increase, or $130,470, which remains within the district’s allowable tax cap.
“Throughout this process, we’ve remained focused on providing high-quality educational opportunities while being fiscally responsible,” said Superintendent Barbara J. Case. “Our goal is to ensure students continue to receive the support they need to succeed.”
The district’s budget development process began early this year and included collaborative work through the Budget Advisory Committee. School and department leaders assessed needs and identified cost-saving opportunities. Although early projections showed a potential budget gap, that gap was significantly reduced through additional state aid, use of reserves and fund balance, and staffing changes made through attrition. No programs were cut as part of the budget plan.
The 2025–26 budget maintains all current academic and extracurricular offerings and aligns with the district’s long-term priorities, including:
Investing in student learning by maintaining existing programs, expanding advanced course offerings, and enhancing instructional technology.
Enhancing student support services through continued partnerships with Tioga County Mental Health and CASA Trinity and expanding RTI and MTSS-I efforts.
Improving safety and security with updated threat assessment protocols, staff training, and facility upgrades.
Addressing transportation, staffing, and maintenance needs; and
Maintaining fiscal responsibility by staying within the district’s tax cap.
Board of Education Vote:
Voters also elected two candidates to the Board of Education. The vote totals were:
• Sean Vallely - 135
• Karen Johnson – 149
Please note: All results are unofficial until approved at the June 12 Board of Education meeting.