The school budget is the district’s financial plan for the upcoming school year. It outlines how funds will be used to support instruction, staffing, transportation, facilities, technology, extracurricular activities, and student services.

The budget is developed through a collaborative process involving district administrators, the Board of Education, and department leaders. It is built using projected enrollment, staffing needs, contractual obligations, program goals, and anticipated state aid.

Community input and long-term planning help guide decisions to ensure fiscal responsibility and educational quality.

School funding typically comes from three primary sources:

• Local property taxes

• State aid

• Federal aid and grants

The percentage from each source can vary year to year depending on state funding formulas and district needs.

The budget supports:

• Classroom instruction and academic programs

• Teacher and staff salaries and benefits

• Transportation services

• Facilities maintenance and utilities

• Technology and instructional materials

• Athletics, arts, and extracurricular programs

• Student support services

Budget changes are influenced by:

• Contractual salary and benefit obligations

• Inflation and rising operational costs

• Changes in enrollment

• State aid adjustments

• Program enhancements or reductions

Even when spending increases, the district works to minimize the impact on taxpayers.

The tax levy is the total amount of money the school district raises through local property taxes. It is one component of the overall budget and is often subject to a state-mandated tax cap.

New York State’s tax levy cap limits how much a district can increase its tax levy each year, typically around 2% or the rate of inflation, whichever is lower. Certain exclusions may apply.

If the proposed budget is not approved:

• The district may present a revised budget for a second vote, or

• The district must operate under a contingency budget, which restricts spending and limits tax levy increases.

A contingency budget often results in reductions to programs, equipment purchases, or community use of facilities.

Community members are encouraged to:

• Review budget documents posted on the district website

• Attend Board of Education meetings

• Send an email to budgetquestion@moraviaschool.org

Transparency and community involvement are essential parts of the budgeting process.

New York State requires school districts to hold their annual budget vote on the third Tuesday in May, unless otherwise authorized.

The district will publish voting information, polling locations, and budget materials in advance.