The 2026-2027 draft budget for the Pine Bush Central School District is $155,108,778, an increase of 3.51 percent over the current year’s budget of $149,849,943.

Based on the proposed state aid, the tax levy and other revenue sources, there is a $2 million budget gap that must be reconciled over the next month or so, before the board adopts its final budget on April 21. “This is currently in progress,” said Brian Weir, assistant superintendent for Business.

The board will hold a public hearing on the budget on Tuesday, May 5, two weeks before the budget vote and board of education election.

In his presentation on March 10, 2026, Mr. Weir said there are no changes in the number of district/school management, central office, operations and management and food services staff positions. Classified positions have decreased from prior years.

When talking about departments with no increase in the number of employees, that does not mean the department’s budget doesn’t change, Mr. Weir explained. Costs to run departments are increasing.

Superintendent Joe Lenz addressed the board and public about the state’s foundation aid.

Foundation aid is the primary, formula-based funding source for public school districts, accounting for over 70 percent of New York state education aid. It was designed to ensure an equitable, sound, basic education. It uses a progressive formula that allocates more money to districts with higher student needs and lower local tax revenue.

“The foundation aid formula was developed with the idea that districts are funded appropriately to educate all students,” said Mr. Lenz. “The formula was updated last year in a couple of areas. The state decided to not make more updates. We are now in a category of ‘hold harmless,’ which means the state says with our enrollment declining we are  overfunded for our present enrollment.”

Pine Bush is one of nearly 500 districts in the state considered hold harmless and receiving just 1 percent in additional aid this school year, or approximately $500,000. Mr. Lenz said he met with some legislators who said that may increase to 2 percent.

“Costs are rising a little faster than that percentage increase,” he told the board. “I doubt our foundation aid will change.”

“We have to be good fiscal stewards in making decision about the budget gap,” Mr. Lenz continued. “We will be looking at all alternatives in years to come so we can sustain and work through this and maintain the great programs we have here for our students, putting them on pathways to college and careers.”

On Tuesday, March 24, Mr. Weir will give an updated budget presentation. Assistant Superintendent for Instruction Rachel Adelstein will also give a detailed presentation on the instructional budget.

To watch the full board meeting of March 10, 2026, click here.