NORTH SYRACUSE — The North Syracuse Central School District (NSCSD) Board of Education voted unanimously Tuesday evening to adopt a $152.6 million budget for the 2025-26 school year, preserving programs and staff while adhering to the state’s tax levy limit. The spending plan totals $152,644,974, an increase from the previous year, but carries a tax levy—the amount raised through property taxes—of $49,397,524. This represents a levy increase of 1.95%, which district officials confirmed is at the state-assigned maximum allowable tax levy limit for the district. The vote was 7-0. By adopting the budget at the board level, the proposal now moves to the public for a vote in May. “I’m proud of the work that has gone into this budget to maintain our educational standards,” said Board President [Name Placeholder], prior to the vote. “We were able to develop a plan that supports our students and remains within the tax cap.” **Transportation Fleet Overhaul** In a significant move to update the district’s aging fleet, the board approved a major transportation purchase. The board authorized the acquisition of 35 new school buses: 11 with 66-passenger capacity and 24 with 72-passenger capacity. The purchase will be made through a New York State contract to ensure competitive pricing. To support these new vehicles and manage the district's daily transportation needs, the board also approved a new three-year contract with Durham School Services, covering the 2025-28 school years. The agreement was approved with a 6-0 vote; trustee [Name Placeholder] abstained from the vote. **Staffing Changes and Grants** During the personnel portion of the meeting, the board accepted the resignation of Kimberly L. Grow, Coordinator of Instruction, effective June 30, 2026. On the financial front, the board moved to monetize grant opportunities available to the district. They authorized the submission of 11 grant applications, including a significant $50,000 grant from the USDA for the "Farm to School" initiative, which aims to bring more local produce into school cafeterias. The board also officially ratified the negotiated agreement with the Teaching Assistants Association, though specific terms of the agreement were not detailed in the summary of actions. **Audit Results** The district received a clean bill of health regarding its past financial handling. The board accepted the Fiscal Year 2024 External Audit Report prepared by Mengel, Metzger, Barr & Co. LLP. The independent auditors presented their findings to the board earlier in the meeting; the official acceptance ensures the district's financial records are finalized for the state. **What’s Next** With the budget adopted, the district will now enter the public hearing phase. Residents will have the opportunity to vote on the proposed $152.6 million spending plan and the bus purchase on May 20, 2025. Polls will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. in the district’s various polling locations. The next Board of Education meeting is scheduled for Monday, March 23, 2026.