LITTLE FALLS, NY – The Little Falls City School District has unveiled its proposed $34,683,516 budget for the 2025-26 school year, marking a 2.27% increase from the previous year.
The budget, which includes a 2.92% tax levy hike, will be put to a public vote on May 20, 2025, at the High School Gymnasium from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Alongside the budget, voters will decide on a proposition to increase the Little Falls Public Library’s tax levy and elect three Board of Education commissioners.
The proposed budget aims to balance rising costs and reduced state aid while maintaining academic and extracurricular programs.
Superintendent Dr. Keith T. Levatino highlighted the district’s financial challenges, stating, “A loss of revenue coupled with an increase in cost means that we have to find a balance between continuing to support our excellent programs and initiatives and keeping costs under control.”
Despite a projected decrease in state aid to $22,805,599 due to lower enrollment and increased district wealth, the budget prioritizes initiatives like STEAM, school safety, and advanced placement courses.
The 2.92% tax levy increase, which remains below the state’s tax cap, translates to an estimated $155 annual increase for a $100,000 assessed home with basic STAR.
Levatino emphasized community support, noting, “As always, thank you for your unwavering support of the district.”
Voters will also consider Proposition Two, requesting a library tax levy increase from $97,640 to $99,593 to address rising staffing costs.
The Little Falls Public Library underscored its role as a community hub, stating, “The requested increase in the library tax will directly support the library in managing the escalating costs associated with staffing, including adjustments due to the ongoing rise in the minimum wage.”
The library highlighted its educational and cultural contributions, adding, “Our library stands as a cornerstone for our community, furnishing an expansive array of services for individuals across all age groups.”
There are three Board of Education Commissioner candidates for three vacant positions — John Almaviva, Toni Anne Johns, and Christine Shepardson. Elected candidates will serve for a three-year term starting on July 1, 2025.
If the budget fails, the district faces a contingent budget requiring $80,465 in cuts or a second vote. Absentee ballots are available by contacting Crista Morrone at (315) 823-1470.
For more details, contact Dr. Levatino or Mr. Ashraf Allam at (315) 823-1470.
The full
This is absolutely ridiculous. Time Little Falls High School did without some things. And I know you’re going to say but sporting events help the kids not when they lose every time it’s not worth the money of bussing them all over the place Just for a loss. Time to negotiate the teachers contracts if their benefits are going up. And why have these half empty buses driving everybody to school less buses make them full. I’m no genius but 32,000 a student in Little Falls New York is a bit much. And if you want your kid to have sporting programs then you move out of town and go to a town that has that stuff. Why should I be the one that moves because my school taxes ( even though I don’t have anybody in school) have gone through the roof?
You want your kid in a sporting program then YOU cover the cost of the bus fueL, equipment everything else ,there’s no reason myself or anyone else in town who doesn’t have a kid in a sporting program or in school should have to pay for that crap..
Does anyone know what the 110% increase ($357,223) is about for the “Health Services” line item? Total expenditure for this line item will now be $681k per year?