Brewster Schools Propose 2.6% Tax Levy Increase

By Holly Crocco

Brewster Central School District Superintendent Dr. Michelle Gosh is proposing a $128.5 million budget for 2026-27, which is a budget-to-budget increase of 3.74 percent or $4.6 million. This represents a tax levy increase of 2.6 percent.

According to Assistant Superintendent for Finance and Operations Victor Karlsson, expenses are driven by increasing utility costs, as well as insurance and employee benefits, among other items.

About $35.1 million in revenue will come via state and federal aid, with $1.3 million in fund balance being used, which is the same that was used this year. The remaining $85.9 million will come from taxes.

The district will be limiting bus purchasing next year, since the zero-emission bus mandate is looming in Albany.

The superintendent is proposing the addition of an administrator of wellness and athletic development.

“Athletics is a highly visible part of this district, and we’ve had renewed, concerted, and collaborative efforts this year to continue to build on our successes, but see ways that we can improve,” said Gosh at the April 7 Brewster School Board meeting.

“Our campus is a hub of activity. It’s not just for our school-sponsored groups – community groups use our fields and facilities, and it’s a constant juggling act to meet the competing needs,” she said. “Part of the understanding, with the community supporting our previous capital projects, is that there would be widespread community use, so this position could help to serve those needs.”

In addition, the position could help support athlete mental health.

“There are unique pressures and stressors as a student-athlete, so being able to help build life skills like time and stress management, and how to prioritize competing demands is a good thing,” said Gosh.

Scheduling of games and competitions, as well as skill progressions from modified sports to junior varsity and varsity level could also be aided by this position.

“It’s important to note that while this individual is housed in the athletic department, it’s not just about supporting athletics,” said Gosh. “This is about a concerted and dedicated effort to improve overall student physical wellness. We wanted to develop a wellness program that promotes lifelong habits like exercise, good nutrition, physical wellness, and sleep habits.”

When it comes to class sizes, administrators said they are confident that resources are aligned with instructional goals.

In general education classes, in kindergarten through fifth grade, projected class sizes range from 19 to 23 students per class. For sixth through eighth grade, total enrollment is between 204 and 211 students per grade, and in ninth through 12^th grade, there are between 216 and 237 students per grade.

In the specialized education program, class sizes for kindergarten through fifth grade range from 13 to 21 students per class.

No layoffs are proposed to keep class sizes desirable.

A budget hearing is scheduled May 12, with the budget vote and school board election Tuesday, May 19.

For more information, visit www.brewsterschools.org/departments/business-office/budget.