WVCSD presents third 2025-26 budget update during Board of Ed meeting
During the Warwick Valley Central School District Board of Education meeting last night, Director of Transportation Laura Schneider and Assistant Superintendent for Business Tim Holmes presented an in-depth update on the district’s transportation fleet and the proposed 2025-26 budget plan. Their presentation provided valuable insights into the condition of our school buses, the need for strategic replacements, and our ongoing commitment to safety and efficiency.
This marks the third formal budget presentation since January, underscoring the district’s dedication to thorough planning and fiscal responsibility. Warwick Valley currently operates a fleet of 75 buses powered by diesel, gasoline, and propane. However, 28% of these buses are more than ten years old, and 21% have exceeded 150,000 miles. At this stage, engine issues, body rust, and expensive repairs become significant concerns. The district continuously monitors fleet maintenance to ensure student safety. As buses age, repair costs increase dramatically. A transmission replacement costs approximately $8,000, while an engine replacement can exceed $60,000 and take months to complete. Given these escalating expenses, a proactive replacement plan is essential to maintaining reliable and cost-effective transportation for students.
To enhance safety and efficiency, the district is proposing to replace five aging buses that have accumulated high mileage and significant wear. The plan includes the purchase of two propane-powered 65-passenger buses at a cost of $182,613 each, one diesel-powered 65-passenger bus for $188,046, and two electric Type C-EV buses at $218,558 each. The total cost of these five buses is $990,390. However, with New York State transportation aid covering 63.2% of the expense, along with additional funding from the district’s bus reserve, there will be no additional cost to taxpayers. Each new bus will also come with a five-year warranty, ensuring continued reliability and lower maintenance costs.
As part of New York State’s mandate to transition school transportation to zero-emission vehicles, the district is actively preparing for fleet electrification. By 2027, all new bus purchases must be electric, and by 2035, all buses on the road must be zero-emission. Through a partnership with Cornice Technology, the district has conducted an electrification study and identified necessary infrastructure updates. Initial findings indicate that three Level 2 chargers can be installed without requiring electrical modifications, ensuring a smooth transition as electric buses are integrated into the fleet. Additionally, the district is actively pursuing $110,000 in available grants to support electric vehicle infrastructure and long-term sustainability.
The Warwick Valley CSD transportation department remains dedicated to providing safe, reliable, and cost-effective transportation for all students. Last year, the fleet traveled over 859,399 miles—equivalent to circling the globe 34 times—while maintaining a 100% safety rating. This achievement reflects the professionalism and diligence of the district’s transportation staff.
As we move forward with these proposed bus replacements and the long-term electrification plan, the district remains committed to fiscal responsibility, environmental sustainability, and, most importantly, the safety of our students. For more information about the transportation budget and upcoming Board of Education presentations, please visit our district website.
The 2025-26 tax levy is projected to increase by 2.59%, or $1.78 million, primarily due to inflation, changes in state aid, and rising costs in BOCES services. Mr. Holmes emphasized that New York State’s tax cap law, enacted in 2012, continues to play a significant role in the district’s financial planning by restricting annual tax increases to either 2% or the rate of inflation, whichever is lower. Despite these financial constraints, the district remains committed to balancing fiscal responsibility with the need to maintain high-quality programs and services for students.
The Board of Education will continue reviewing the budget in the coming weeks, ensuring transparency and careful deliberation before finalizing decisions. Key budget discussions and presentations will take place on March 20, focusing on revenue and expenditures, followed by the budget adoption and property tax report card presentation on April 24. The process will culminate in a public hearing on May 8, where community members will have the opportunity to engage and ask questions.
