Budget Overview|Propositions|Board of Education|A Message from Superintendent Mark Place
Middleburgh Central School District residents will be asked to consider a $25,616,095 budget for the 2026–27 school year. This proposed budget increases spending by 2.06%, or $516,095, from the current year and includes a tax levy increase of 1.50%, or $158,486. The district has stayed below the maximum allowable tax levy for the past six years.
Since the tax levy increase is less than the district’s maximum allowable levy limit of 2.99%, the proposed budget needs a simple majority vote to be approved.
The vote will be held on Tuesday, May 19, from noon to 9 p.m. in the MCS Jr./Sr. High School Gym Lobby.
All absentee and early mail ballots must be received by the district by 5 p.m. on May 19. Ballots are available here.
A printable version of the 2026-27 budget newsletter is available here.
State Aid
New York State Foundation Aid is the primary source of funding for the district’s general fund budget. As part of the state
budget, there is an expected increase of $86,779 in aid for the 2026–27 school year.
Fund Balance Use
Middleburgh is proposing to use $921,815 of fund balance to balance the budget. The fund balance utilizes end-of-year surplus from the general fund.
Additional details, including budget workshop presentations, are available on the Budget and Taxes page.
Voters Will Also Consider
When Middleburgh residents go to the polls on May 19, they will vote on one proposition in addition to the 2026–27 budget proposal.
The proposition would authorize the purchase of two 48-passenger diesel buses with luggage compartments, one 24-passenger bus with air conditioning, and one seven-passenger minivan, for a total cost not to exceed $523,000. State aid would fund $381,790 (73%) of the total purchase cost.
A withdrawal not to exceed $35,324 from the Capital (Bus) Reserve would offset part of the local share.
Board of Education Vote
One seat is available for a three-year term expiring June 30, 2029. Candidate appearing on the ballot: Bonnie Snyder.
A Message From Superintendent Mark Place
Dear MCS Community,
Middleburgh is a special place to live, work, and learn because of the strength of our school community. We are proud to share that this year Middleburgh Central School District has once again earned the highest rating in the New York State Education Department’s Accountability System—“In Good Standing.”
That success is the result of the opportunities we provide for students. Over the past four years, we expanded classroom learning under the theme The World Beyond Middleburgh. This year, students participated in more than 100 field trips, including to Boston’s Freedom Trail and the Erie Canal.
We are also thoughtfully preparing students for artificial intelligence in The World Beyond Middleburgh. This year, teachers engaged in professional learning that introduced a K–12 framework focused on academic integrity and digital citizenship, placing MCS at the forefront of educational use of this technology.
At the same time, we are building our athletics pipeline. Through a revitalized Little Knights program, younger students can build early skills and develop confidence.
Important facilities enhancements will be completed this fall. Through a previously approved capital project, the elementary school will have a new playground, safer bleachers, and an updated school-based health center. At the high school, improvements include a new lighting system in the auditorium and new bathrooms near the cafeteria.
These investments reflect our community’s commitment to providing for students while maintaining long-term financial stability. The proposed 2026–27 MCS budget reflects a 2.06% increase in expenditures, with a 1.50% tax levy increase—the lowest in the region for the third consecutive year.
Please make your voice heard and vote on May 19.
Mark Place
Superintendent of Schools
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