The Salmon River Central School District Board officials provided updates on the 2026-27 budget development process and the status of the $49M Foundations for the Future capital project during the Tuesday, February 11 Board of Education meeting.

School Business Executive Natascha Jock informed the Board that the district has begun its preliminary budget review process, which includes a comprehensive analysis of projected revenues and expenditures for the upcoming school year. As with many districts across New York State, rising costs and evolving fiscal factors are creating additional considerations during this year’s planning cycle.

District leadership emphasized that the current figures represent early projections and will continue to be refined as the budget process progresses in the coming months. Acting Superintendent Dr. Terrance Dougherty and Ms. Jock shared that the district will take a thoughtful and strategic approach to budget development, prioritizing expenditures, identifying efficiencies, exploring revenue opportunities, and engaging in long-term financial planning to ensure continued stability.

The Board and administration reaffirmed their commitment to preserving programs and maintaining the high quality of education valued by the Salmon River school community.

“Salmon River has a strong history of responsible financial planning,” said Dr. Dougherty. “That foundation positions us well to thoughtfully navigate a more challenging budget climate while continuing to serve our students and community with excellence.”

District officials will provide an update on the budget development process at the March 11 Board of Education meeting.

Tuesday night, district officials also discussed the $49M Foundations for the Future capital project, authorized by district voters in May 2025. The project prioritizes infrastructure improvements to classrooms, locker rooms, roofs, kitchen areas, the bus garage, and the wastewater plant facility. The district is scheduled to submit the project to the New York State Education Department (NYSED) in March for final review and approval, with contractor bids expected to be awarded in May. Construction is anticipated to begin in early summer.

The proposed capital project, which will have no additional tax impact to community residents, is being financed through state aid and capital reserve funding designated specifically for capital improvement projects. The district has contracted MARCH Associates and C&S Companies to support the development and planning process.

“The Board of Education is excited to see the Foundations for the Future project continue to move forward,” said Dr. Dougherty. “This initiative represents an investment in safe, modern, and efficient learning environments that will benefit our students for years to come.”