AVCS looks to next steps after budget fails

CLINTONVILLE | On May 19, the AuSable Valley Central School District (AVCS) budget for the 2026-27 school year was rejected by voters, 638 in favor and 780 against. Since the district proposed exceeding the state-imposed 5.95% tax cap by 12%, it needed a 60% supermajority to approve the budget. Because that didn't happen, the Board of Education (BOE) can now go straight to a contingency budget, which would mean no increase in the tax levy over the current year, or present another budget plan to voters on June 16, either the same or adjusted. Because significant reductions have already been made, according to the BOE, a contingency budget would likely require deeper cuts that directly impact students and programs; the district would have less flexibility to manage rising costs; and long-term financial challenges would increase. Throughout this budget planning process, several district leaders stated that a significant increase was necessary to maintain as much programming as possible for the students. Approving the tax levy above the cap would've helped avoid further cuts that would directly impact students, including college courses, electives, extracurricular activities, athletics, and music/art programs. In the proposed budget, there were several transitions, reductions, and reallocations. For instance, the district planned to transition sixth-grade students at both Keeseville Elementary School (KES) and AuSable Forks Elementary School (AFES) to the middle/high school. After monitoring enrollment, which has declined significantly at both elementary schools and the middle/high school, it was determined that several class-size reductions could be made, including the 2nd and 4th grades at KES and 1st grade (through attrition) at AFES. Also at AFES, there were possibilities for class-size reductions in 2nd and 3rd grades. The class size reductions will allow the district office to move to the second floor of AFES. Also in the proposed budget, several positions were, and might still be, in jeopardy, with some due to attrition and others due to enrollment. For instance, at the elementary schools, the overall plan was to reduce a music teacher position through attrition and an art position by sharing the music and art teachers between the elementary schools due to the decreased number of sections. An elementary technology position would also be eliminated, along with a .3 counseling and BHSN (Behavioral Health Services North), which were both previously grant-funded. At the middle/high school, the plan was to reduce staffing by eliminating a 10-month typist position and a special education position through attrition. Another budget notice and hearing will be required before the second vote, but those dates are yet to be determined. AVCS Superintendent Mike Francia was not available for comment before this story was published. For more information or updates, visit avcs.org/budget. To ask questions or voice concerns directly, contact the AVCS BOE at avcsboard@avcsk12.org. Also, although the proposed budget was voted down, one seat for the district's BOE was up for a vote. Incumbent Jason Parrow was running unopposed, and voters confirmed his election to another term with 978 votes.

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AVCS looks to next steps after budget fails

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