Investing in Excellence: Why the 2025–2026 Pittsford School District Budget Matters

On Tuesday, May 20, 2025, Pittsford residents will have the opportunity to vote on the proposed 2025–2026 school district budget of $168,218,102. This vote represents more than just an approval of numbers on a page — it is a vote of confidence in the values, priorities, and future of our schools and students.

As a Board of Education, we are proud to present a budget that preserves the excellence our community expects, while staying firmly within the New York State tax cap. The proposed tax levy increase of 2.34% and overall budget increase of 3.97% reflect our district’s ongoing commitment to balancing fiscal responsibility with educational quality.

Behind this proposal lies months of rigorous planning, analysis, and community engagement. Our budgeting process is shaped by the following priorities:

• Maintaining academic excellence and a broad spectrum of student opportunities
• Ensuring student safety, mental health, and support services
• Managing rising operational costs responsibly
• Minimizing the financial impact on residents

Throughout this process, we made every effort to protect classroom instruction and ensure that cuts would not fall on students. Where reductions were needed, they were addressed through consolidation of roles, attrition, and operational efficiencies, not the elimination of programs. This year, we are also strategically leveraging reserves and state aid, which will help us offset costs without new borrowing or tax increases beyond what’s allowed under the state cap.

The 2025–2026 budget continues to invest in the people, programs, and infrastructure that have made Pittsford one of the most respected school districts in the region.

Key points include:

• Program Component ($130.7 million / 77.68%): Covers direct instruction, support services, and extracurricular programs for approximately 6,000 students.
• Capital Component ($21.5 million / 12.79%): Maintains buildings and grounds, funds transportation needs, and supports safety and security infrastructure.
• Administrative Component ($16 million / 9.53%): Supports district management, legal services, and essential operations.

These expenditures are focused on providing a comprehensive, well-rounded education — from AP courses to arts, music, and athletics. The proposed budget supports programs that help our students thrive — both academically and personally.

In addition to the budget vote, residents will weigh in on two propositions that will not increase taxes or result in new debt:

1. Capital Reserve Fund – Purchase of Buses. Authorization to withdraw up to $2.42 million to replace aging buses (six 36-passenger and eight 66-passenger vehicles), and upgrade communications systems. The state will reimburse a portion of the cost, and all funds come from previously established reserves.
2. Instructional Technology Reserve. Authorization to use up to $500,000 from the technology reserve for the continued 1:1 laptop initiative. These investments are crucial for supporting modern learning environments and digital literacy.

Our revenue plan relies on a combination of local property taxes, state aid, reserves, and grants. Approximately 70% of the budget is funded by the local tax levy, with state and federal aid comprising the remainder.

While state aid will increase modestly this year — by approximately $550,000 — rising costs due to inflation, health benefits, energy, and special education services make local funding essential.

If the budget fails to pass, state law requires the district to adopt a contingent budget that eliminates over $2.7 million in funding. This would severely impact student programs, staffing, and opportunities.

Passing this budget ensures that our students can continue to benefit from; a full range of academic programs and AP courses, enrichment opportunities, internships, arts, music and sports; student support services, mental health counselors, and wellness programs; safe, reliable transportation and modern technology infrastructure

It also means continuing to attract and retain high-quality educators, supporting class sizes, and investing in facility maintenance.

Please Vote on May 20

We invite all eligible residents to make their voice heard. Voting will take place on:

• Tuesday, May 20, 2025
• Calkins Road Middle School – Gymnasium
• 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Absentee and early mail ballot applications are available online or at the district office. For more information, visit: www.pittsfordschools.org/budget

The 2025-26 budget is a reflection of who we are as a community — one that values educational excellence, fiscal discipline, and opportunity for all students. We are confident that the proposal supports the long-term success of our schools without overburdening taxpayers. We thank you for your continued partnership and hope to see you at the polls.

— The Pittsford Central School District Board of Education