East Ramapo SD adopts current budget plan for 2025-2026; now voters weigh in
The 2025-2026 budget has sparked a lot of community interest, especially as it proposes a no tax increase.
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The East Ramapo Central School District adopted the current budget plan for 2025-2026.
The 2025-2026 budget has sparked a lot of community interest, especially as it proposes a no tax increase.
Tuesday's meeting follows a state comptroller audit.
It projects that this school year will end with a nearly $26 million operating surplus.
The comptroller says they found inadequate budget practices and that paying salaries with nonrecurring revenues caused the excess funds.
The review recommends a few things, like providing timely information to the fiscal monitor and to stop relying on one-time revenues for recurring expenditures.
The interim superintendent says the district would receive more money from state aid than property taxes, and next year's budget would also fill job openings.
But parents News 12 spoke to say they wouldn't mind paying more if it means their kids get what they need, like resources and building repairs.
"I do agree on paying taxes for education, plus I'm a parent so the benefits are for my children," says parent Ana Maeda.
"In this budget, at 0%, we're looking at funding doing that. We are looking at bringing in a program that's good for all learners," says Interim Superintendent Anthony DiCarlo.
Last year, voters approved a 1% tax increase and then the state education commissioner ordered an additional 4% raise following a legal appeal from a parent.
It will be in the hands of voters on May 20.
