In the Spencer-Van Etten Central School District, the annual budget reflects the district’s commitment to sustaining high-quality education while remaining fiscally responsible. The district carefully evaluates financial projections, program needs, and community input to develop a budget that supports student achievement, operational efficiency, and long-term stability.
“Throughout the budget development process, our district remains committed to balancing financial responsibility with educational excellence, ensuring students receive the support they need for success,” Superintendent Barbara Case said. At its March 13 Budget Advisory Committee meeting, committee members—comprising members of the Board of Education’s Budget Committee, the Leadership Team, and community volunteers—identified key budget priorities for the 2025-26 school year. Since that meeting, along with the Board of Education’s support, the Leadership Team has continued to refine the budget priorities:
Investing in Student Learning and Academic Support
Maintain current programming and monitor staffing with contractual adjustments
Enhance curriculum alignment and rightsize instructional technology to meet needs
Expand advanced course opportunities, including Agriculture and Arts, and develop more work-based learning opportunities
Enhancing Student Support and Mental Health Services
Continue partnerships with Tioga County Mental Health and CASA Trinity
Explore options to support behavioral intervention services
Focus on Response to Intervention (RTI) and Multi-Tiered System of Supports-Integrated (MTSS-I)
Increase student enrichment opportunities through field trips, advisories, and extracurricular activities
Strengthening School Safety and Security
Improve threat assessment protocols and staff training
Continue facility upgrades to enhance security and monitoring
Evaluate transportation and facilities staffing needs to ensure a safe school environment
Addressing Facilities, Transportation, and Staffing Needs
Monitor and adjust transportation services, including addressing staffing shortages
Continue planned facility repairs and maintenance, with investments in facilities, operational procedures, and employees
Support capital project initiatives to improve school infrastructure
Maintaining Fiscal Responsibility and Long-Term Stability
Maintain a tax levy increase of 1.56%, remaining within the district’s calculated tax levy limit
Strategically utilize reserves and fund balances to offset revenue shortfalls
Leverage interest income as operational costs rise
Next Steps in the Budget Process
April 9 – Budget Advisory Committee Meeting #3
April 23 – Proposed Budget Adoption
May 20 – Annual Budget Vote and Board of Education Election
The full budget presentation is available on the district website budget page for community review.