Voters to decide on $26,991,617 proposed school budget Our steadfast commitment to fiscal responsibility is reflected in our nine-year record of meeting and exceeding tax cap standards. Just as our mission drives us to work collaboratively with the community— empowering every student to thrive as an independent, future-ready thinker—our prudent budgeting ensures the resources necessary for academic excellence. Rooted in the values of collaboration, accountability, respect, and empathy, our financial strategy underpins an environment where every individual can achieve their highest potential.

Now, let’s explore the details of the proposed budget:  

• Proposed budget: $26,991,617  
• Year-to-year spending increase: $736,044 
• Proposed tax levy increase: 1.75% 

The proposed 1.75% increase in the tax levy (the total amount of money to be raised through property taxes) is within the district’s maximum allowable tax levy limit of 2.80% as defined by state law. See the chart below to determine the monthly and yearly estimated school tax rates with a tax levy increase of 1.75%:

MY HOUSE’S
MARKET VALUE IS:        INCREASE PER MONTH         INCREASE PER YEAR
$200,000                                $5.15                                                                 $61.83
$300,000                                $7.73                                                                 $92.75

Final increase would depend upon STAR, tax assessment and equalization rates.

The 2025-26 proposed budget reflects our commitment to maintaining and enhancing student opportunities. It supports academic program expansion and allocates resources to ensure a safe, engaging, and enriching learning environment. The proposed spending increases are driven by:

• Enhancing curriculum, instruction, and assessment to improve educational quality and drive continuous progress in student outcomes. This includes developing new curricula at both the elementary and secondary levels, such as the Elementary Math Initiative and expanded secondary courses with early college access opportunities.
• Introducing a JROTC program to promote leadership, teamwork, and civic responsibility among students.
• Universal Pre-K program to provide all students with a strong foundation for academic success and early childhood development
• Invest in professional development for core subjects and the arts to enhance teaching and learning.
• Providing contractual salaries, employee health benefits, and additional teaching staff to ensure the stability and support of our valued team.
• Enhance communication tools through ParentSquare to improve the district website and newsletters, fostering stronger communication and encouraging two-way engagement.
• $100,000 Capital Outlay Project (district to receive aid following year) for gym paint refresh, basketball hoops, stage flooring, and new flooring in basement..

Votes will be cast in person in the Seward Memorial Building or by absentee or early mail ballot. Absentee and early mail ballots may be obtained at the Office of the District Clerk. Voters will also elect two members to the Board of Education. Polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Golden Hill Elementary

• Students in grades 3–5 explored enrichment opportunities such as coding and animation.
• The pre-kindergarten program expanded to serve all registered students.
• Fifth graders earned honors with two selected for All-County Band and three for All-County Chorus.
• Staff and the Math Curriculum Committee collaborated to select a new, aligned K–5 math curriculum.
• Students in all grades participated in field trips that extended learning beyond the classroom.
• Launched the Primary Project in K–3 to strengthen confidence, focus, and peer relationships.
• Teachers engaged in ongoing training to support the rollout of the new ELA program.
• New outdoor play equipment for pre-kindergarten is scheduled for Spring 2025 installation.

S.S. Seward Institute

• Launched our first year of Distance Learning courses, including College Psychology, College Sociology, and Philosophy.
• Offered the PSAT to all sophomores during the school day at no cost.
• Provided a free evening SAT prep course with materials and instruction from The Princeton Review.
• Six students were selected for All-County ensembles, and NYSSMA participation grew.
• The Spartan Theatre Players’ Wizard of Oz drew over 500 attendees and was a major success.
• Forty-three students took college-level courses, with the Class of 2025 earning 582 credits before graduation.
• Expanded extracurriculars, including a middle school Odyssey of the Mind team that placed 4th at States and a new Mock Trial team that advanced to the second round.
• Increased student field trips to colleges, career fairs, Broadway shows, museums, and more.

Districtwide

• Delivered targeted professional development based on staff feedback in curriculum, instruction, assessment, and health and safety.
• Strengthened districtwide health and safety practices and protocols.
• Upgraded technology infrastructure to boost performance and efficiency.
• Enhanced instructional strategies and student achievement by utilizing comprehensive iReady diagnostic assessments to support student growth.
• Reduced Chromebook damage by updating protocols and equipping all student devices with protective covers.
• Used iReady diagnostics to enhance instruction and support measurable student growth.
• Maximized financial resources through strategic grant acquisition and Smart Schools Bond Act funding.
• Launched a districtwide multi-tiered system of support (MTSS) with staff training to ensure successful implementation.

On May 20th, residents will vote to fill two Board of Education seats. The candidates, in the order they will appear on the ballot, are:

• Lori Gorcsos (incumbent)
• Rob Andrade (incumbent)

For more details on the district budget, visit www.floridaufsd.org. The full text of the budget is also available for review during normal business hours in the S.S. Seward Memorial Building, 51 North North Main Street, Florida, New York.

For more information on how to register to vote, absentee ballots and the budget vote timeline, visit the Voter Information page.