BY MATT LINDSEYNorth Country This Week

HAMMOND — Hammond Central School District has proposed a $10,267,964 budget for the 2025-26 school year, marking a $490,011 increase in total spending compared to last year.

The proposed budget includes a 3.65% increase in the tax levy, amounting to a $156,342 rise. If approved, the total amount to be raised by taxes will be $4,441,090.

Despite the increase in spending, the district is not planning any staff cuts. Instead, the proposal includes the addition of student workers to assist in the fitness center and maintenance departments.

“New curriculum updates aligned with New York State Standards are also planned, along with expanded elective offerings for students in grades 7 through 12,” said BOCES spokesperson Hannah Hurley.

Voters will also weigh in on several propositions:

Transportation Proposition: Approval to purchase one 60-passenger diesel school bus (not to exceed $185,000), one school vehicle (not to exceed $90,000), and one truck with a plow (not to exceed $75,000).

Library Proposition: Approval to levy and collect an annual tax of $15,000 in support of the Hammond Free Library.

There is one open seat on the Board of Education, with a five-year term.

Voting will take place on Tuesday, May 20, from 1:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the Hammond Central School District Cafeteria.

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