Delaware Academy Board Previews 2026-27 Budget, Forms Audit Committee

Above photo: All images from the Delaware Academy Central School District’s livestream video on YouTube.  

DELHI – The Delaware Academy Central School District at Delhi’s Board of Education used its Feb. 23 regular meeting and budget workshop to preview 2026–27 budget pressures, approve a K–12 school counseling plan, and advance several personnel and coaching appointments. The board also voted to designate the full board as its audit committee to oversee internal and external audits and related corrective action plans.  

Business Manager Sara Werlau outlined preliminary budget drivers, noting projected year-over-year spending growth of about 10.7% tied largely to employee benefits, debt service, and instructional and noninstructional costs. An early revenue picture showed roughly $24.7 million with a $484,394 gap still to close. The “21 code” – which includes teaching staff, support staff, special education staff, and special education placements – is expected to receive a $331,557 increase. 

The tax levy was discussed at an estimated 3% percent increase, which is within the cap framework.  

The board approved the district’s Comprehensive School Counseling Program for 2025–26 after a presentation from counselors Matt Albright, Kacie Button, Alex Chase, and Amanda Kane. The plan emphasizes social-emotional learning and college-and-career readiness, including a rollout of Xello, a career exploration platform, plus peer-support and financial-aid guidance initiatives.  

Counselors also briefed the board on ongoing state-level discussions about potential changes to graduation requirements that could affect future cohorts. New York state is considering eliminating Regents exams and moving toward a “Portrait of a Graduate” model that allows students to focus on different pathways. This model proposes to make diplomas more accessible, too. The changes may come into effect for the Class of 2029, though the board emphasized that plans and timelines are still being developed at the state level.  

In student news, the board heard from the student representative that National Honor Society members plan to pilot SAT prep supports this spring, coinciding with an on-site SAT administration, with short skill-building sessions offered during advisory blocks.  

The meeting opened with the Class of 2026 proposing a four-day senior trip to Virginia Beach from May 29 to June 1. Class co-advisor Ryan Layman reported early student interest, with approximately 30 students signed up so far and four chaperones expected.  

Personnel actions included tenure for school counselor Amanda Kane effective Feb. 27; multiple permanent aide and bus driver appointments; a temporary noncertified teacher appointment through June 30; and spring coaching assignments in baseball, softball, tennis, track and field, and the weight room. A leave of absence for one aide was also approved.  

In other action, the board formally established its audit committee—comprised of all seven members—to review annual audit reports, management responses, and corrective action plans, and to meet with auditors in executive session as permitted by law. Minutes of committee meetings will be kept in accordance with the Open Meetings Law.  

Upcoming dates announced include budget workshops on March 9 and March 16 at 5 p.m., and the next regular meeting on March 23, starting at 5 p.m. Board and district information are available on the district website. 

This story was created by student reporters through the OnNY Community Media Lab, a program of SUNY Oneonta and the SUNY Institute for Local News.