Understanding the School District Budget

Ninety-three percent of Pittsford Schools’ revenue derives from our tax cap levy and state aid with our levy supporting 71% of the budget. I have often referred to our revenue sources as being “capped” and “frozen.” Our tax cap levy is capped given that the tax cap formula does not account for inflation beyond two percent, nor does it take into consideration increasing costs of energy, health care, minimum wage, or other costly factors. Our foundation aid (money from the state) has been frozen for many years, with the exception of a couple, yielding an additional $10,000 last year. The result of both the current state of the tax cap and foundation aid, coupled with increased costs, have led to advocacy efforts for increased foundation aid while also requiring PCSD to make $1.5 million in reductions and utilize reserves to balance the budget.

The Good News

For the 2025-2026 budget year, PCSD should receive a minimum increase of about $558,000 in Foundation Aid, which is a 2.65% increase over the current year levels. This is in part thanks to the many letters our residents and staff sent to legislators, and meetings that administrators and Board of Education members held in Albany in February. I would like to thank our local legislators, Senator Brouk, Assemblymember Lunsford and Senator Helming for their leadership in ensuring that PCSD receives its fair share of funding.

PCSD also has a longstanding history of both healthy reserves and transparency on how reserves are used. This year, the District will utilize more reserves, in conjunction with other reductions to balance our budget.

Other Reductions

At the District Office, we have made over $300K in reductions by consolidating and eliminating positions. We have made significant savings through attrition across the District and are currently finalizing other reductions, all of which are far removed from students.

What This Means for Residents

We will again be proposing a budget that is under the tax cap at 2.34%. There will be no significant adjustments to student programs (additions or eliminations). The District has worked diligently on its long-term financial plan and has made the necessary adjustments for this year as part of this plan.

If you would like to learn more about the 2025-2026 budget planning, please visit PCSD Budget Information. Please remember to vote on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, at Calkins Road Middle School (NEW LOCATION) in the gymnasium from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.