On Thursday, April 10, the Board of Education adopted a $26.8 million budget proposal for the 2025-26 school year.
Cambridge CSD residents will vote on the $26.8 million budget proposal on Tuesday, May 20 from 12-8 p.m. in the HS Library. The budget proposal is designed to balance the financial capacity of taxpayers while addressing a projected shortfall, driven by several key factors. The proposal is the district’s best effort to preserve educational opportunities, as well as all sports, clubs and extracurricular activities for students. In addition to the budget, residents will also vote on propositions related to bus purchasing and the Cambridge Public Library.
Voters will also elect a candidate to fill an open seat on the Board of Education. The successful candidate will serve a three-year term through June 30, 2028.
As a reminder, all individuals must provide proof of residency at the vote (driver’s license, piece of mail, etc.). Proof must include a physical address, not a P.O. Box.
Budget remains within tax cap
The school tax levy, or total amount of money collected from local property owners, would increase by $311,600. This 3.17% increase is the allowable tax cap and requires a simple majority vote of 50% plus one for approval.
The tax cap slightly decreased from 3.18% to 3.17% due to the Jackson solar project on Route 22. As a result, the district will receive a payment in lieu of taxes (PILOT) payment next year, which reduces the tax cap.
Tax rates for individual properties will be determined over the summer once equalization rates and assessments are available for the district’s eight towns. Based on what we know from last year, our best estimate is that under a 3.17% increase, taxes would increase by approximately $41 ($3.42/month) per $100,000.
Budget presentation
View the budget presentation from the April 10 Board meeting.
For additional information related to the budget, please visit the Budget & Finance page on our website.
Frequently asked questions
The district has created a frequently asked questions (FAQ) page as questions are received from community members.
View frequently asked questions (FAQs) related to the 2025-26 school budget.
If you have additional questions related to the budget, please fill out this form. We will continue to update the FAQ throughout the spring, leading up to the May 20 budget vote.
Voters to decide on bus purchase proposition
As part of the May 20 budget vote, voters will consider a proposition regarding school bus purchasing.
This year, the district is proposing to purchase up to four 70-passenger diesel buses. The proposition reflects a total cost of $651,224, utilizing $125,000 of the transportation capital reserve fund to offset the cost. On average, 80% of the cost would be reimbursed through transportation aid.
Absentee Ballots/Early Voting
Applications for absentee ballots are obtainable between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, except holidays, from the district clerk’s office at 58 South Park Street. Completed applications must be received by the district clerk at least seven (7) days before the election if the ballot is to be mailed to the voter, or the day before the election if the ballot is to be delivered personally to the voter. Absentee ballots must be received by the district clerk no later than 5 p.m., prevailing time, on Tuesday, May 20.
The New York Early Mail Voter Act allows registered voters to request a mail-in ballot. You can request an early voter ballot in person up to the day of the election.
Public Hearing
A public hearing on the proposed 2025-26 budget will be held on May 6 at 7 p.m. in the High School Library.