DA Proposed Budget Under 2% Tax Cap: $23 Million - District Vote May 20th

By Mary A. Crisafulli

DELHI — The Delaware Academy Central School District (DA) Board of Education presented its proposed 2025-2026 budget of $23,093,729. This is a 2.59%, or $582,233, increase over 2024-2025. The budget remains under the 2% state-mandated tax cap increase. Significant increases are due to transportation costs, employee benefits, and pupil services.

Superintendent Carey Shultz said a new bus lease, which includes nine vehicles, is necessary and anticipates substantial growth. The five-year lease contract will be proposition two on the ballot. The transportation budget line is proposed to increase by just over $240,000. Increases also include purchasing two new vans to replace old ones. The van purchase is covered by state aid, said Shultz.

Pupil services, which include special education, outside placement, or additional resources and services for students, are proposed to increase by $117,784. Such needs have increased, and additional resources are necessary, explained Shultz. He noted that only some of these aids are supported by state funds.

Employee benefits are proposed to increase by $134,663.

"It was another great process," said Shultz of the budget. He has worked on DA's budget for several years, though this is his first as superintendent. "Our board is very dedicated to ensuring we are providing everything for our students while at the same time being fiscally efficient," Shultz said.

A public hearing is scheduled for May 12 at 6 p.m., and the budget vote is scheduled for May 20 in the middle school gym lobby from noon until 8 p.m. The budget will appear as proposition one on the ballot.

Another three propositions will appear on the ballot to develop capital reserve funds of $500,000 for technology, $500,000 for buildings, grounds, and transportation, and a general fund of $5 million to be used over a ten-year period for various repairs or equipment needs.

Three board seats are up for election this year. Incumbents Seth Haight, Lucy Kelly, and Sean Leddy are all running unopposed. "I look forward to keeping a good structure with our board and looking forward to the next year together," said Shultz. A meet-the-candidates event is scheduled alongside the budget hearing on May 12.

The district newsletter, available at delhischools.org, provides more information on the budget, propositions, and board candidates.