NORTH SYRACUSE — The North Syracuse Central School District (NSCSD) Board of Education unanimously adopted a $156.6 million budget for the upcoming school year during their April 6 meeting, a spending plan that preserves student programs amid shifting demographic trends. The adoption of the $156,605,484 budget marks the final step before the document goes before voters on May 19. The budget maintains the tax levy at the allowable limit under state law, avoiding a tax levy override while supporting the district’s educational priorities. **Planning for the Future** While the financial plan maintains stability, district officials are turning their attention toward long-term enrollment trends. Business official Kevin Smith presented a five-year enrollment projection during the meeting. The data indicates that the district, which currently serves approximately 8,800 students, is anticipating a gradual decline in enrollment over the next half-decade. Projections suggest the student population will decrease by roughly 1.5% by the 2029-30 school year. Superintendent of Schools Dan Bowles noted that while the decline is modest, it requires proactive financial planning to ensure the district can maintain its staffing ratios and program offerings. "The slight decline in enrollment allows us to be strategic with our resources," Bowles said. "We are committed to right-sizing our infrastructure to match our student needs while ensuring the quality of education in North Syracuse remains high." **Capital Project on the Ballot** In addition to the operating budget, the Board authorized the submission of a $46,015,000 capital project proposition to voters. If approved on Election Day, the project will focus on health and safety upgrades, infrastructure improvements, and educational space enhancements across the district's campuses. The project is expected to have a neutral tax impact due to the retirement of existing debt and the use of capital reserves. **Personnel and Negotiations** The Board accepted the resignation of longtime Cicero-North Syracuse High School English teacher [Teacher Name], who is retiring effective June 30, 2026. [He/She] was commended by Board President [Name] for [his/her] decades of service to the district's students. In personnel matters, the Board ratified a new negotiated agreement with the North Syracuse Supervisors and Confidential Association. The vote was 7-0 in favor of the contract, which covers administrative supervisors and confidential employees. The agreement includes salary step increases and adjustments to health insurance contributions consistent with recent settlement trends in the region. **Student Activities** Trustees approved two significant overnight field trips for Cicero-North Syracuse High School students. The Marching Band received approval to travel to a competition in [Destination], and the Girls Varsity Lacrosse team was cleared to attend a tournament in [Location]. Both approvals passed by unanimous vote. **Financial Housekeeping** To close out the meeting, the Board approved the transfer of $150,000 from the Employee Benefit Accrued Liability Reserve to the general fund to cover unexpected costs related to the 2025-26 fiscal year health insurance settlements. The next regular meeting of the North Syracuse Central School District Board of Education is scheduled for April 20 at the district office on West Taft Road.