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District

Budget 2026-27

This page provides links to current and past budget and tax information.

Voters to weigh budget and elect two to BOE

On Tuesday, May 19, residents of the Central Valley Central School District will go to the polls to vote on the district’s proposed $63,998,398 budget for the 2026-27 school year. The proposal would increase spending 2.56 percent or $1,600,000 from the current year. This would result in a 2.09 percent or $190,146 increase in the tax levy. The proposed levy is at the district’s tax levy limit and will require a simple majority for approval. 

Residents will also vote to fill two three-year seats on the Board of Education.  Incumbents Jason Sachez and Travis Costin are running unopposed.

Below is the information provided to residents prior to the budget vote

A new fiscal reality

On Tuesday, May 19, residents of the Central Valley Central School District will go to the polls to vote on the district’s proposed $63,998,398 budget for the 2026-27 school year. The proposal would increase spending 2.56 percent or $1,600,000 from the current year. This would result in a 2.09 percent or $190,146 increase in the tax levy. The proposed levy is at the district’s tax levy limit and will require a simple majority for approval.

Responding to the economy

“Like most schools in New York, Central Valley is coming to grips with state aid that isn’t keeping pace with the economy,” said Business Administrator Jim Humphrey.

“Our projected foundation aid increase is just one percent or roughly $303,000—well below the current and projected rates of inflation. We can’t really blame anyone. The truth is when the economy dips, the state lacks the revenues to fully fund our schools. State aid has historically ebbed and flowed. This is one of those downturns. Our goal with this budget is to adapt to this reality.”

A simple rollover budget—keeping the same staffing, programs, and services would leave a $2.5 million shortfall. To close that gap, the district continues to adjust staffing levels to more closely align with declining student enrollment. The district will also use savings.

“We were careful with our merger aid and pandemic funds, knowing the easy times would not last forever. This isn’t easy, but we were prepared,” said Humphrey.

Budget highlights

  • Increased BOCES program and capital costs ($1 million),
  • Decreased debt service—local share of past capital project ($980,000),
  • Normal year-to-year increases in salaries, benefits and materials ($1.3 million),
  • Purchase of three new school buses ($310,000), and
  • Increased use of savings ($1.2 million).

Budget includes state-funded project

The budget includes a $100,000 state-funded capital outlay project to replace the boiler in the district bus garage. New York State provides school districts 98 percent aid to pay for smaller projects. These projects do not require separate voter approval.

Budget Hearing May 12

District Business Administrator Jim Humphrey will present the budget to the public at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, May 12 in the Central Valley Academy LGI. 

Voting by Absentee/Early Ballot

There are four steps to voting by absentee or early ballot:

  1. Apply for an absentee/early ballot at the District Office, Weber Ave., Ilion, NY or by calling 315-894-9934.
  2. Return completed applications to District Clerk Stacey Gurtowski at the District Office:
    • No later than 5 p.m. on Tue., May 12 to receive a ballot by mail or
    • No later than 5 p.m. on Mon., May 18 to pick a ballot in person.
  3. Carefully complete your ballot according to the instructions, being certain the sign and seal the envelope.
  4. Completed ballots—whether mailed or delivered in person, must arrive at the District Office no later than 5 p.m. on Tuesday, May 20.

Board of Education candidates

Residents will also vote to fill two three-year seats on the Board of Education.  Incumbents Jason Sachez and Travis Costin are running unopposed.

Required budget information

Required budget information online—New York State law requires that school districts post certain budget information online for the public to review. Below find PDFs of each required report. If you have any trouble accessing the information in the PDFs, please contact the district business office at 315-894-5000, press 6. Copies are also available from the district office.

Paying your tax bill

Early in September, Herkimer County prints and mails Central Valley CSD’s property tax bills. Taxes must be paid in full and are due no later than Sept. 30. Taxes paid after Sept. 30 are subject to a 2 percent fee. Taxes may be paid by mail or in person.

  • To pay by mail, make checks payable to Cherri L Hyer, Central Valley CSD Receiver of Taxes and mail to:

Cherri L Hyer
Central Valley CSD Receiver of Taxes
PO Box 160
Mohawk, NY 13407

  • To pay in person:

66 E Main St, Mohawk, NY
9:30 a.m.-4 p.m., Mon.-Fri.
Phone: 315-866-0500
The office is closed Labor Day and Columbus Day.

“Wrestling with AI”
A message from Superintendent Jeremy Rich

As we continue to navigate an increasingly complex and rapidly evolving world, one of the most significant developments impacting both education and society is the rise of artificial intelligence (AI). From how we access information to how we teach, learn, and work, AI is reshaping the landscape in ways that are both exciting and challenging. This technological shift represents more than just a new set of software; it is a fundamental change with how our minds work together with the tools and information around us.

At Central Valley, we recognize that AI is not a passing trend; it is a transformative tool that will influence our students’ futures. The modern workforce increasingly demands “AI fluency,” where the ability to collaborate with machine intelligence is as vital as traditional literacy. With that in mind, our district is committed to approaching AI thoughtfully and responsibly. We are actively working to understand its potential to personalize learning and reduce administrative burdens, while also being mindful of the ethical considerations and challenges it presents, particularly around academic integrity, data privacy, and the indispensable role of human critical thinking in the learning process.

To help guide our work, we will be implementing a comprehensive new AI policy in the fall. This policy will establish clear expectations and regulations designed to support both staff and students as they navigate the appropriate use of AI across different disciplines. Rather than viewing these tools through a lens of restriction, our goal is to provide a framework that fosters “responsible innovation.” We aim to empower our educators to use AI as a sophisticated assistant that enhances instruction and provides real-time feedback, while ensuring that student learning remains authentic, rigorous, and deeply meaningful.

As always, we are grateful for the continued support of our community. Your partnership is the bedrock that allows us to adapt, grow, and provide the best possible educational experience for our students in an era of unprecedented change. Together, we will continue to embrace innovation while staying grounded in the core human values that define our district.

Thank you for your ongoing trust and support.
-Jeremy Rich, Superintendent