DA Budget Nearly Finalized & Second PreK Classroom Discussed

DELHI - Delaware Academy Central School District at Delhi (DA) Superintendent Carey Shultz presented budget updates at a Board of Education meeting on Mar. 23rd.

The 2026-2027 spending is proposed at $25,619,933, an increase of 10.94% or $2,527,203 over the 2025-2026 budget.

Amid delays in the state budget process, Shultz presented a budget projecting a 1% increase in Foundation aid, amounting to roughly $75,000. However, he suspects the increase will be closer to 2%. Foundation Aid is the formula for distributing funds across districts to ensure equitable resources.

The district is roughly $300,000 in the red due to rising expenses and state aid projections, reported Shultz.

The numbers are presented with a 2.90% cap increase on taxes. The property tax impact is expected to be around $8 per month on a $200,000 home.

Several cuts were made to requests, including field trips, to reduce the budget by roughly $20,000.

“We've got something that is doable without cutting programming or staff,” said Shultz.

Shutlz further explained that major field trips, such as the one to New York City to see a Broadway show, could be adjusted to a performance at Proctors in Schenectady. In addition, field trips could be funded by grants or fundraisers. The A.L. Kellogg Committee is reviewing ways to support field trips.

Other cuts will be reviewed during the next two budget workshops, including purchase requests that could be made in the current budget year. The next workshop is scheduled for Monday, Mar. 30. The budget is expected to be adopted at the regular board meeting on April 20th and presented to voters in May.

Pre-K

Shultz announced the state is discussing increasing Pre-K enrollment funding from $5,900 to $10,000 per student.

The increase aligns with Governor Kathy Hochul's initiative to deliver universal child care, ensuring a seat for every 4-year-old by the 2028-2029 school year. The funds may be offered to other child care facilities in the district that follow state mandates. Children need to turn 4 by December 1 of the school year to participate in Pre-K.

Shultz said if the district can manage a second classroom to accommodate additional children, it will. The current district limit is 18 students. Roughly 26 applications for the next school year have already been received. A second classroom is estimated to cost $175,000 to cover the salaries and benefits of one teacher and one aide. DA would need around 10 more prospective students to open a second classroom, said Shultz.

Other Business

The board is expected to continue discussion regarding non-resident tuition rates in April.

Director of Transportation Gregg Verspoor and Buildings and Grounds Supervisor David Cicio gave presentations on their departments. Verspoor reported that state representatives are moving away from their previous goals for electric buses. Verspoor noted the initiative was not feasible for several reasons, including fire hazards and insufficient charging capabilities. To meet goals, the district would need roughly $7 million for three new buses and related infrastructure, said Shultz.

Auto Mechanic and Bus Driver Edward Fisher’s resignation was accepted, effective April 10th. Teacher Aide Trista Temple’s resignation was accepted, retroactive effective Mar. 8th, a correction from the last meeting.

Michele Somers was hired as an agriculture educator effective May 24th.

The athletic department is researching ways to increase wrestling participation to field a DA-only team. The district currently partners with Walton Central School for its boys wrestling program.

The 2026-2027 academic calendar was adopted.