District’s Budget Takes Shape For 2026-27

The Mount Markham Board of Education has spent March working on the 2026-27 budget.

At their first meeting in March, Business Manager Lou D’Ambro presented via PowerPoint information on the 2026-27 preliminary budget forecast and budget assumptions for the Custodial, Building and Grounds, and Transportation departments.

Overall the District expects its expenses next year to be just over $36 million.

D’Ambro noted they will be shifting resources where they are best needed and are still waiting on the state budget and school aid.

The Custodial Department has an increase of $114,921.

The District participates in cooperative bidding with BOCES, so the cost increases are in supplies and utilities.

The Building and Grounds department budget will decrease by $27,000 due to the reduction of one School Patrol Officer.

The Transportation Department budget will be reduced by $34,796. The budget includes the purchase of two buses, with four trade-ins. Bus order deliveries are a year behind.

It was noted that buses are rotated to even out mileage and kept for seven years.

The Transportation Department handles all maintenance and sends them out for warranty work or major repairs.

D’Ambro also reviewed the Tax Levy Limit calculation and the proposed Tax Levy amount of $7,862,864 which is in compliance.

It is an increase of $154,174 at 2%, which is below the 2.8% allowable increase. The Budget Vote will be May 19.

Proposition 1 will be the Capital Outlay and Bus Purchases, and Proposition 2 will be the Library Levy Increase.

Superintendent Lauren Crisman noted her participation in the Mustang Madness tournament and gave a shoutout to everyone who organized and participated in making it a fun, well-attended event.

She reviewed the draft of the revised Vision and Mission Statement.

Board Members expressed their opinions and suggestions.

Vision: Challenging and inspiring children to be lifelong learners and contributing citizens.

Mission: Rooted in our rural heritage and enriched by our diversity, we are dedicated to ...