NORTH SYRACUSE — The North Syracuse Central School District (NSCSD) Board of Education took a significant step forward in its budget planning process this week, officially adopting the preliminary budget for the 2026-27 school year. During the meeting on Jan. 28, Board members unanimously approved the proposed spending plan of $139,879,537. The vote, which passed 5-0, sets the financial blueprint for the district as it moves toward the public budget vote in May. Wednesday’s meeting marked the first of several critical budget votes required by state law. As the district navigates rising operational costs and state aid fluctuations, the preliminary adoption allows the administration to finalize specific line items before the budget is presented to the community for a public hearing. **Property Values and Tax Levy** Alongside the budget adoption, the Board took a necessary step regarding the tax levy. By a vote of 5-0, members adopted the "Designated Apprised Value" for the 2026-27 fiscal year. The total market value of taxable real property within the district has been set at $4,079,973,609. This figure is crucial for calculating tax rates. While the budget determines how much the district needs to spend, the total assessed value of the district determines how that tax burden is distributed among homeowners and businesses. With a total taxable assessed value of approximately $1.02 billion (specifically $1,022,267,103), the district will next need to establish the tax levy limit—the maximum amount of taxes the district can levy without requiring a supermajority vote. **Community Support** While the financial discussions dominated the agenda, the Board also moved to accept more than $28,000 in gifts and grants from community organizations, helping to alleviate costs for specific programs. Notable donations included: * **$9,800.24** to the Middle School JHS Band from the NS Music Parents Association, facilitating a student performance trip. * **$10,000** to Allen Road Elementary from the school’s PTA to support playground activities and field day events. * **$3,759.80** to the High School Marching Band from the NS Music Parents for competition fees. These funds were approved with a 5-0 vote, highlighting the continued partnership between the district and parent organizations. **Capital Project Update** The Board also authorized a resolution (Item #9) regarding the scope of work for the current capital project. The vote authorizes the submission of "aidable" costs to the New York State Education Department (NYSED). This is a procedural move that ensures the district seeks reimbursement for eligible construction and renovation expenses, maximizing the state aid return on local taxpayer investment. **Looking Ahead** With the preliminary budget now adopted, the district will enter the next phase of budget communications. Residents can expect a detailed presentation of the proposed tax rate and a breakdown of program changes in the coming weeks leading up to the public hearing. The next regularly scheduled Board of Education meeting is set for Feb. 10, where the Board is expected to review the operational components of the budget in greater detail.