The Jamesville-DeWitt Central School District is making progress developing the 2026-27 school budget proposal. Superintendent Darcy Woodcock and School Business Administrator Brian Bartlett provided updates and outlined the Non-Instructional Budget during the Board of Education meeting on Monday, March 9.
Like many neighboring districts across the state, Jamesville-DeWitt is navigating a rise in essential operating costs. Current estimates show a budget gap of approximately $5 million, driven largely by factors beyond the district’s direct control – including an 18% rise in utilities, a 10.5% increase in health insurance premiums, and a 13% uptick in commercial insurance.
While the district is projected to receive a 1% increase in Foundation Aid, administrators are working to bridge the gap between state funding and the cost of providing a high-quality education.
“Our goal is to manage these challenges while keeping our focus exactly where it belongs: on our students,” shared Woodcock.
With input from staff, administrators have been considering ways to achieve ongoing strategic planning efforts in more efficient and cost effective ways. Decisions are being made while following three guiding goals developed with the board’s Finance Committee: limit the impact on programs, adhere to the state-imposed tax levy limit, and reduce the budget through attrition when possible.
“We’re doing everything we can to maintain the programs and supports our students deserve,” explained Woodcock. “We are also being very intentional about staffing. By leaning into attrition as much as possible and celebrating the incredible careers of our retiring staff members, we hope to balance our team in a way that is both fiscally responsible and deeply respectful of the people who serve our students.”
Propositions and Board Election
When district residents vote on the proposed budget on May 19, they will also vote on two propositions and elect three Board of Education members.
Student Transportation: The bus proposition would allow the district to stay on schedule with its replacement plan. The plan currently includes the purchase of four new 65-passenger gasoline buses and one Micro Bird wheelchair (WC) bus for a total cost of $837,993. The vehicles would replace four buses that are 11-13 years old and have between 113,000-140,000 miles each and one Micro Bird WC bus with 80,000 miles.
Community Library: Another proposition would allow the district to levy and collect a tax in the amount of $1,688,580 for the Community Library of DeWitt & Jamesville.
Board Election: Three Board of Education seats will also be on the ballot. The district will share information about board petitions soon. Those interested in running for a seat can contact District Clerk Tish Hauser at 315-445-8304.
Next Steps
The district will continue to share budget development updates with staff, families, the community, and board as more information becomes available.
The next board of education meeting, which is expected to include a state aid update and the Instructional Budget presentation, is scheduled for Monday, March 23. Administrators also plan to hold meetings with staff prior to Spring break, which begins Monday, March 30.
All budget updates and presentations will be accessible on the district’s Budget and Finance webpage.