On May 19, Valley Central School District (VCSD) voters approved the district’s 2026-27 budget proposal of $139,700,000, 739 votes for to 455 against, as well as approved an $10,370,000 proposition to renovate and improve school district facilities 758 votes for to 448 against. Voters also approved a proposition to establish a new capital reserve fund for future capital improvements and/or site acquisitions 739 votes for to 459 against. Additionally, two board members were each elected to serve a three-year term beginning July 1. At this time, these are unofficial results.
The $139,700,000 budget includes a spending increase of $5,900,000, or 4.41%, over the current school year’s budget, with a tax levy increase of 2.98% compared to the current year. With the passing of the budget, the voters approved a five-year transportation contract with First Student, as well as the establishment of a capital reserve fund that would allow the district to set aside up to $20 million that may be used for capital improvements and/or site acquisitions.
The $10,370,000 proposition will be used to replace water supply, storage, and treatment systems at Berea Elementary School, add heating for the concession stand/restroom building at the high school, and improve stage curtains, lighting and sound systems at Berea Elementary School, East Coldenham Elementary School, Montgomery Elementary School, and the middle school. The proposition also includes auditorium stage improvements and updating aging infrastructure at the high school. These capital project improvements will have no additional tax impact on residents as they will be funded by a combination of state building aid and the District’s fund balance.
The candidates elected to three-year terms on the board of education were: Barney Zipkin, with 575 votes and Nicole Drost, with 565 votes.
“On behalf of the board of education, thank you to the Valley Central School District voters for their continued support and entrusting us with the care and education of our students,” said Superintendent Evette Avila.