Understanding the Propositions on This Year’s Ballot
When we head to the polls for this upcoming school board election, we will also be asked to weigh in on several important propositions related to the school district, facilities, transportation, and community services.
While school board elections often focus on the candidates, these propositions can also have a meaningful impact on district operations, student experiences, and local taxes. Here is a brief overview of each item on this year’s ballot to help voters better understand what is being proposed.
Proposition I
2026–2027 School Budget
Proposed Budget: $31,892,876
This proposition asks voters to approve the annual operating budget for the upcoming school year. The school budget funds the day-to-day operations of the district, including:
Instruction and academic programming
Special education services
Arts, athletics, and extracurricular activities
Transportation
Staffing and employee benefits
Facilities maintenance and operations
Technology and student support services
The school portion of the proposed tax levy is the lowest it has been in 3 years (2.68%). The additional 2.85% goes towards the capital project. For a median-value home in the district, the proposed tax levy increase will be approximately $37 per month.
If approved, the district would operate under the proposed spending plan for the 2026–2027 school year. If the budget is not approved, the district would need to either present a revised budget for another vote or adopt a contingency budget in accordance with New York State law. A “no” vote on the budget will likely result in changes to class size/staffing, and cuts to athletics, extracurriculars and field trips, student support services
To learn more about the School Budget vote, check out this post.
Proposition II
School Bus Purchase
Proposed Purchase:
One 24-passenger school bus
Two minivans
Estimated Cost: $175,000
Tax Impact: Tax neutral
This proposition would authorize the district to purchase replacement transportation vehicles. School districts regularly replace buses and vans as part of long-term fleet maintenance and safety planning.
The district has indicated that this proposal is expected to be tax neutral, meaning the purchase would be funded through existing reserves, financing structures, or other available funds rather than resulting in an additional tax increase.
Smaller vehicles such as minivans are often used for specialized transportation needs, including certain special education routes or lower-volume transportation runs.
Proposition III
Replacement of Tennis Courts
Estimated Cost: $275,000
Tax Impact: Tax neutral
This proposition would fund the replacement of the district’s tennis courts.
Capital improvements such as court reconstruction are generally intended to address issues related to aging infrastructure, drainage, cracking, safety, or usability. School athletic facilities are often used not only by student-athletes during the school day and sports seasons, but also by community members outside of school hours.
The district has stated that this project is also expected to be tax neutral, meaning it would not increase the tax levy associated with the school budget.
Proposition IV
Transportation Reserve Fund
Authorization Amount: Up to $5 million
This proposition would authorize the creation or expansion of a transportation reserve fund with a maximum balance of up to $5 million.
Transportation reserve funds are permitted under New York State law and are designed to help districts plan for future transportation-related expenses, including:
Bus purchases
Vehicle replacement
Major transportation equipment costs
Reserve funds allow districts to set aside money over time rather than relying entirely on borrowing or sudden increases in annual spending when large purchases become necessary.
Approval of this proposition does not mean the district would immediately spend $5 million. Rather, it would authorize the district to maintain a reserve fund up to that amount for future transportation needs.
Proposition V
Butterfield Library Budget
Proposed Amount: $101,094
This proposition relates to funding for the local library and is separate from the school district budget.
Public library propositions commonly appear on local ballots and allow residents to vote directly on library funding levels. These funds support services such as:
Book and media collections
Children’s programming
Community events
Technology access
Educational resources
Public meeting and gathering spaces
Although this proposition appears alongside school-related items on the ballot, it is not part of the Haldane school budget.
