Photo: Klaus Vedfelt / DigitalVision / Getty Images
In Kyserike, the Rondout Valley School District has reached agreements with its bargaining units, which are expected to help reduce the number of positions eliminated from the proposed $83.5 million budget for the 2026-27 academic year. Superintendent Paul Spadaro announced that these agreements include early retirement incentives and health insurance modifications, which will result in higher co-payments for employees.
The proposed budget represents a 3.77% increase, totaling $3.03 million, and carries a $48.5 million property tax levy with a 3.82% increase. These changes aim to address a $1.68 million spending gap. The retirement incentives are projected to cover $976,837 of this gap, while the co-pay adjustments are expected to contribute $650,000. Without these agreements, the district anticipated reducing 28 positions, including 18 through program changes and 10 through attrition.
The community has shown significant concern over the proposed cuts. The Shawangunk Journal reported that students organized a walkout and a petition opposing the cuts has gathered over 1,800 signatures. The school board is set to present an updated budget on Tuesday (April 7), considering feedback from the community and staff.
Despite the proposed strategies, the district still faces a $1.675 million deficit, which they plan to offset with staffing cuts and retirement attritions. Superintendent Spadaro assured that program offerings for students would remain largely unaffected, though the impact will depend on which positions are ultimately cut.