HARRISVILLE — Residents of the Harrisville Central School District will vote Tuesday, May 20, on a proposed $11,531,744 budget for the 2025–26 school year. The spending plan reinforces the district’s commitment to delivering a high-quality education and preparing students with the skills needed to succeed.

“Throughout the budget development process, it was our collective goal to ensure a student-focused approach,” said Superintendent Rob Finster. “Despite ongoing economic headwinds, we believe this proposed budget balances the needs of both our students and our overall community.”

The proposed budget represents a $243,135 decrease—or 2.06%—from the current year’s spending. The reduction is primarily due to overestimated revenues related to declining enrollment and anticipated savings from changes in health insurance policies.

To maintain financial stability, the plan also includes a reduction of five full-time equivalent (FTE) positions. These reductions will occur through strategic attrition, including expected retirements and resignations, as well as a limited number of layoffs.

“Although these were undeniably difficult decisions, we are confident this plan is necessary to ensure the district’s long-term financial health,” Finster said.

The budget includes a proposed tax levy increase of $182,036, or 3.95%, which exceeds the state-calculated tax cap of 2.49%. As a result, the proposal will require approval by a supermajority of voters—60% or more—for it to pass.

“We felt it was necessary to exceed the district’s tax levy limit so we could raise enough revenue to maintain the rigorous academic and extracurricular programs our school community expects,” said Finster. “Our priority is to preserve programs in the most cost-effective way possible, while remaining mindful of taxpayers.”

Although final assessment figures won’t be available until August, the district estimates that a homeowner with a property assessed at $100,000 would see an annual tax increase of approximately $36, not including the STAR exemption.

In addition to the budget vote, residents will also elect one member to the Board of Education and vote on a $339,998 proposition to purchase two school buses—one 66-passenger and one wheelchair-accessible vehicle.

Voters will also consider a separate proposition to increase the annual tax levy for the Harrisville Free Library by $20,000, bringing the total to $85,000. The district clarified that it does not control or oversee library spending, as the library is a separate legal entity.

Polls will be open from 1 to 8 p.m. at the Harrisville Central School Library, 14371 Pirate Lane, Harrisville. A public hearing on the proposed budget will be held Monday, May 12, at 5:30 p.m. in the library.

More information is available on the district’s Budget & Finance web page or by calling the District Office at (315) 543-2707.