by Caledonia, N.Y. — The Caledonia-Mumford Central School District is making changes after voters turned down its proposed budget earlier this week, with the final tally coming in at 220 in favor and 314 opposed.
The rejection follows a recent audit by New York State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli, which revealed that the district’s surplus fund balance was double the state’s statutory limit. The audit also noted that the district had levied more property taxes than necessary to fund its operations.
In response, Superintendent Rebekah Chenaille said the district plans to revise its approach while keeping the core budget intact.
“We intend to present the same budget proposal,” Chenaille explained. “However, instead of raising taxes, we’ll use more reserve funds to cover the gap between revenue and expenditures.”
In addition to the main budget, voters also rejected Proposition 2, which would have approved the purchase of a new school bus.
A second vote on the revised budget is scheduled for June.
While this situation unfolded in New York, communities across the country — including those in the state of Wyoming — are keeping a close eye on how districts manage surplus funds, tax levies, and voter trust in school budgeting processes.
