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.