Residents in the Gates Chili Central School District will decide on a more than $146 million proposed budget for the 2026-27 school year.
Voting will take place from 6:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 19, at Spartan Field House, 1 Spartan Way, on the Gates Chili High School campus.
Gates Chili school budget overview
The proposed budget totals $146,485,512, which is 4.80% higher, or $6,709,260 more, than the current year’s $139,776,252 spending plan.
The majority, or 2.43%, of that increase is being driven by new construction and property improvements that have been added to the tax roll and were not previously taxed, a district representative said. When that is factored in, the actual increase is 2.37%, she said.
What factors are driving Gates Chili spending increases
Here are areas of the Gates Chili school district budget that are driving spending upward:
What Gates Chili budget areas are less costly
Here are areas where Gates Chili schools expect to spend less in 2026-27:
Estimated tax rates for Gates Chili district residents
If the budget passes, the estimated 2026-27 tax rate will be $16.97 per $1,000 of assessed property valuation.
However, said a district representative: “Since the tax rolls use a calendar year (January to December) but this is referring to a school year (July to June), it’s our best estimate until we have the final numbers.”
Gates Chili school bus proposition
Voters also will consider a proposition that authorizes the purchase of school buses at a cost of no more than $2,350,000.
This proposition also authorizes the use of capital reserve funds to pay for the buses, so it does not impact the tax levy.
Gates Chili school budget challenges
“Budgeting for the upcoming school year required navigating a number of complex and, at times, competing pressures,” school distrcit Superintendent Mitchell Ball said.
“One of the most significant challenges was balancing rising costs with a continued commitment to fiscal responsibility. Like many districts, we are facing ongoing increases in expenses such as transportation, contractual obligations and general inflation, all of which put pressure on the overall budget. At the same time, state aid projections are much lower than they have been in the past, making long-term planning more difficult. Another key challenge was staying within the allowable tax levy limit while still maintaining the high-quality programs and supports our community expects.
“We were mindful of making strategic, forward-thinking decisions — such as using reserves in targeted ways — to reduce long-term costs and avoid unnecessary financial burdens in the future. Every decision was made with a focus on sustainability, ensuring we can continue to meet student needs not just next year, but for years to come.”
Impact on students
“This budget continues to invest in academic programs, student supports and enrichment opportunities — including athletics, clubs, music, and advanced coursework — that are essential to a well-rounded education,” Ball said.
“We remain focused on what matters most: creating engaging learning experiences, supporting the whole student and ensuring every learner has access to opportunities that prepare them for the future.”
Reporter Marcia Greenwood covers the grocery business and consumer-focused grocery news, as well as retail development, openings and closings. Send story tips to mgreenwo@rocheste.gannett.com. Follow her on X @MarciaGreenwood.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Gates Chili voters will decide school budget — here are key numbers
Reporting by Marcia Greenwood, Rochester Democrat and Chronicle / Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
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