2022-23 Budget Information

The budget totals $33,618,101 and carried a projected tax levy increase of 2.75 percent, which is under the District’s 3.48 percent limit set by New York State’s property tax cap. Spending is up $567,718, a 1.72 percent increase from the 2021-22 budget.

Budget highlights include no cuts to student programs and the reallocation of a special education teaching position to increase special education support in grades k-1. Also included in the budget are bus replacement purchases and a capital project to replace the District’s letterboard sign on Woodbridge Avenue with a modern digital message board. 

In addition to the budget, the Board adopted a separate proposition that would create a Capital Reserve Fund that would allow the District to set aside up to $5 million over a ten-year period to fund future improvements to our facilities.   

Voting Results

On May 17, 2022, Chatham Central School District voters approved the 2022-23 School Budget and the Capital Reserve Fund proposition.

May 17, 2022 voting results:

Chatham Central School District 2022-23 Budget:  PASSED 338 yes - 153 no

Capital Reserve Fund: PASSED 354 yes - 136 no

Budget Documents

Budget Development Presentations

Property Tax Cap Information

Contrary to popular belief, the NYS property tax cap does not cap tax increases at 2%. Instead, schools must use a state formula each year to determine how much they can increase their tax levies by without having to seek a higher percentage of voter approval for the budget. This threshold may be different each year and must be determined by the District and submitted to the state by March 1st.

Chatham's allowable tax levy increase limit for 2022 is approximately 3.48%.

If the year-to-year increase of the District’s tax levy (portion of the school budget funded by property tax) is at or below the number determined by the cap, a simple majority (50% + 1) of voter approval is needed to pass the budget. If the budget proposal carries a tax levy increase above the cap, a super majority (60%) of voter approval is needed for the budget to pass. More information on the NYS Property Tax Cap is available on the NY State Education Department Website.

Proposition #2 - Capital Reserve Fund

Proposition #2 on the ballot allowed for the creation of a Capital Reserve Fund to assist the District in financing future construction projects. The maximum amount the District can place in the fund is a total of $5 million over a ten-year period. A Capital Reserve Fund is similar to a savings account and helps our school plan for long-term needs with little impact on the general budget. Voter approval was required to create the fund. The District will use it to set aside money only for future building and grounds improvements. 

Money for the Capital Reserve fund will primarily come from areas where budgeted expenses prove to be less than projected. If there is excess money left at the end of the school year, the District is able to put it in the Capital Reserve fund. The District is required to receive voter approval before it could spend any money in the Capital Reserve Fund. The District would provide details about any proposed Capital Reserve Fund spending and residents would vote on it in a future referendum.

The District completed a state-mandated building condition survey this school year and anticipates the need for capital work (construction and renovations to keep our facilities properly operating and benefit our educational program).

With voter approval, the District also created a Capital Reserve Fund in 2017 that has since reached its maximum limit and currently holds $3,434,945. Projected capital work costs are greater than what the District currently has in capital reserve, and therefore the District is seeking an additional Capital Reserve Fund.

Budget Information from Previous Years