2026-2027 Budget Vote/Board of Education Election

Dear Members of the Eastchester Community, 

At Tuesday night’s Board of Education Meeting, the district adopted a revised school budget for the 2026-2027 school year that represents a marked decrease to the initial budget proposal that was voted down on May 19. 

This new budget represents a 2.35% tax levy increase, bringing us right up to—but not exceeding—the tax levy cap, and will be voted on by the community on June 16.

Please click here for a copy of the presentation that was provided on Tuesday evening. 

(*Please note that there are two corrected slides in this presentation that are clearly marked. The corrections do not make any change to the overall dollar amount in savings or the number of buses/vans required. Thank you.)

In addition to the revised budget, the district announced another proposition that will appear on the June 16 ballot concerning transportation. This new proposal would see the district move in line with New York State guidelines on transportation, which state that the district would be responsible for busing only students who live beyond 2 miles (Grades K-8) or 3 miles (Grades 9-12) from their respective schools. 

If successful, this proposal would account for roughly $2.3 million in savings next year, allowing the district to spend those funds on instructional personnel. 

Since Tuesday evening, the Board of Education Trustees and I have been actively listening and closely reviewing all feedback from the community. Your feedback is not only important, it allows us to take your input and make important decisions that are responsive to our community’s needs as best as possible. The Board will be hosting another Special Meeting on Monday, June 1, 2026, at 7PM in the EMS Library to debrief the feedback we have received and will continue to receive over the weekend. Any adjustments that need to be made to the initial proposal of NYS Transportation Guidelines will be made at this meeting. 

We encourage and invite all community members to attend the meeting to learn more about the next steps of our District’s path to the Re-vote scheduled for June 16.

Here is the upcoming schedule of notable events:

• Monday, June 1, 2026 - Special Board of Education Meeting, 7PM, EMS Library - Acknowledgement of Public Feedback
• Thursday, June 4, 2026 - Community Virtual Q&A Meeting, (Please feel free to submit questions and comments in advance using this google form), 7 PM, Link for the meeting will be provided.
• Tuesday, June 9, 2026 - Budget Hearing, 7PM, EMS Library
• Tuesday, June 16, 2026 - Re-Vote, 6AM- 9PM, EMS Gymnasium

Lastly, as mentioned, we have included some of the questions that have arisen from Tuesday’s meeting regarding the new budget proposal and how this will affect the student experience in Eastchester. 

Please keep scrolling to read through important and helpful information

Sincerely,

The EUFSD BOE Trustees and Dr. Villanueva

 

  Scenario 1

  Scenario 2

  Scenario 3

QUESTION: How, if at all, are Proposition #2 (buses) and the revised proposed budget for 2026-2027 linked? 

It is important to note at this point that passing the transportation proposition (Proposition #2) is NOT LINKED to the passing of the budget (Proposition #1) in any way. 

If the transportation proposition (Proposition #2) passes, it would lower transportation costs by roughly $2.3 million, allowing us to save 24.5 full-time employee positions that are currently set to be eliminated if the transportation proposition does not pass. If the budget passes and the transportation proposition fails, district transportation would simply operate under the same guidelines as it is currently using.

 

Scenarios 1 & 2 are the two options that keep us away from moving to a contingency budget. We do not want Scenario 3. 

In an effort to provide the community with multiple options to mitigate the significant reductions that would otherwise need to be made across all departments…particularly in staffing, the district presented a proposal aligned with New York State transportation mileage guidelines.

Whenever scenarios are presented to the community, they are thoroughly researched and carefully developed with as much detail and specificity as possible. Our goal is to provide residents with transparent and meaningful information when decisions affecting the entire school district must be considered.

When comparing Scenario One and Scenario Two, the substantial number of employee layoffs required to meet the tax levy under Scenario One is alarming. As a result, the district must consider all viable options that help preserve employee positions and maintain the quality of the educational experience our students currently receive.

The mission of a school district is to provide students with the strongest possible educational experience, along with innovative, research-based opportunities that support their academic, social-emotional, and physical development as contributing members of their community and the world. Ultimately, our responsibility is to prepare students for success beyond graduation and it is the people within our schools who make that possible.

Although not perfect, Scenario Two better supports these goals by significantly reducing transportation expenditures, allowing those funds to be redirected toward preserving personnel, student programming, and educational opportunities. This approach helps protect the deep investments our district has made in both academic programs and the overall student experience.

 

QUESTION: Why isn’t the district attempting to pierce the tax cap with this second proposed budget?

Given the overwhelming defeat of our first proposed budget on May 19, we believe that the risk of attempting to pass a cap-piercing budget which would require a 60% supermajority is simply too great for our district to take on at this time.

On May 19, the budget failed by a vote of 1,385 to 1,196, meaning just 46% of voters approved of our proposal. Even decreasing that tax levy increase by 2 or 3% would not provide any assurances that a new vote would meet that 60% threshold it would need to pass. If the 2026-2027 budget falls in this second-and-final attempt, the district would be forced to operate on a contingency budget next school year, leading to calamitous reductions in personnel and programming for our students.

 

QUESTION: Please tell me more about the detailed timeline district’s must adhere to when going to a Re-Vote or adopting a proposition on the ballot?

In accordance with New York State guidelines, it is typical when a special vote (to pass a proposition) takes place, that notice is given to the public and the community in accordance with NYS guidelines regarding special votes. In situations like our current situation—a second budget proposal and Re-Vote— in sum and substance, it is a truncated timeline for revotes. For re-vote scenarios in the 2026 school year, legal notice must be published on or before June 2, 2026. In addition, additional propositions added to revotes have been approved. This is our goal and hope.

In Eastchester’s current circumstances, we are adhering tightly to the required timeline outlined by New York State to post our notices in time for a re-vote on June 16.

Eastchester Schools will always make a good-faith effort to present the community with alternative solutions that help offset detrimental and long-lasting impacts to the educational system in which we have collectively invested so heavily.

 

QUESTION: How is the district preparing to accommodate an increase in student walkers if these new transportation measures are adopted? 

We understand that there are some concerns regarding the logistics of bus reductions and plan to address these questions with the Town of Eastchester, exploring the potential and need for a multi-year partnership with the Town of Eastchester to eventually create true “school zones” and expand our crossing guard coverage at key crosswalk areas.

We will also examine our before-and-after school care offerings in order to better serve families who require early drop-off or late pick-up. More information will be shared as details are analyzed.

Budget Vote / Election Information
The 2026-2027 Budget Vote will take place on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, between the hours of 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. The polling place is in the Eastchester Middle School Gym.

Voter Qualifications

• U. S. Citizen
• At least 18 years old
• A resident of the District for at least 30 days immediately preceding the election/vote
• If a voter is not qualified to register for or vote in a general election under the Election Law (e.g. certain felons), not a qualified voter
• In districts with personal registration of voters, registration with the County Board of Elections or with the School District

Registration Information*
You may register any weekday between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. at the District Clerk’s Office, located in the District Office, 580 White Plains  Road.  The last date to register for the Budget Vote/Annual Election is June 10th until 5:00pm.

*Anyone registered with the County Board of Elections who resides within the School District is automatically registered to vote in school elections/budget votes.

Voter Registration Form (English)

Voter Registration Form (Spanish)

Absentee Ballots and Early Mail Ballots
Applications for Absentee Ballots and Early Mail Ballots are available at the District Clerk’s Office at the District Office during normal business hours (8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.) or by downloading the applications.  The applications should be submitted in original form, with the original signature on it.  It must be submitted no earlier than thirty days (30) days and no later than seven (7) days before the Annual Election (by June 12, 2026), if the ballot is to be mailed to the voter and no later than June 15, 2026, if the ballot is to be delivered personally to the voter.  The Absentee Ballot and Early Mail Ballot must be received by the District Clerk by 5:00 p.m. on the day of the vote/election in order to be counted.

Application for absentee Ballot - English version
Application for absentee Ballot - Spanish version

Early voting application - English version
Early voting application - Spanish version

Common Questions, Suggestions, and Facts Behind the Budget

Addressing Community Feedback and Information Regarding the Revised Proposal

 

As mentioned yesterday, the Board and district leadership have heard many questions, concerns, and suggestions from residents throughout the budget process. Some of these questions are fair and important. In many cases, the district has already taken action, but that information may not be widely known.

This FAQ is intended to provide clear answers, explain what has already been done, and identify where additional information will be shared as we move toward the budget revote. Questions pertaining specifically to our latest proposal will be added to this list shortly.

1. Did the Board understand the failed vote as a clear message from the community?

Yes. The Board understood the failed vote as a clear message that the proposed increase was too high, and the revised budget process is a direct response to that feedback.

2. Why was the district originally asking for a budget above the tax cap instead of making additional reductions?

The district had already made significant reductions ($3 million in cuts, 25 FTE positions) prior to the initial vote. The proposal was above the cap because unavoidable cost increases (contractual obligations, special education, insurance, mandated services) created a substantial budget gap.

3. What makes the revised budget different from the originally proposed budget?

The revised budget will be Tax Cap Compliant, remaining at the allowable tax cap increase of 2.35%. It also maintains current elementary and secondary core class sizes while continuing to decrease reliance on the Fund Balance.

4. Is the district student enrollment going down?

No, enrollment is maintaining current levels or slightly increasing.

5. Do teachers’ children attend Eastchester schools for free?

No, non-resident children of staff pay tuition. The Board recently increased the tuition amount by 44%, effective July 1, 2026, to align rates with comparable districts.

6. Does the district do residency checks?

Yes, the Board strengthened the process by implementing a new residency verification policy at key transition points (grades K, 3, 6, and 9). Disenrollment is promptly initiated if a family is found outside district boundaries.

7. Why do we need assistant principals at the elementary level when we did not have them before?

We have had Assistant Principals in our Middle, High and Early Elementary Schools. Assistant Principals are critical roles in buildings with student enrollment of more than 300 students. Over the last 5-10 years, public schools at both the elementary and secondary level require building-level oversight to manage complex state and federal mandates and policies and reduce liability.

• Bullying laws, 
• sexual harassment policies and 
• non-discrimination policies
• evaluation policies 
• professional learning requirements
• supervisory requirements
• Safety Regulations
• Due Process
• Mental health and wellness requirements
• State testing requirements, 
• Additional accommodations, 
• Translation services

These roles were added to our elementary schools as other administrative roles were reduced, shifting support closer to students, ensuring consistency, and matching the structure of most local districts. Unless a school’s enrollment is very low (under 300 students), it is likely to find that the school supports an Assistant Principal position. Our Assistant Principal model is in line with the approaches taken by other similarly-sized districts.

 

8. Should sports be “pay to play”? Are we spending too much on athletics?

‘Pay to Play’ is illegal in New York State as public schools must provide equitable access regardless of a family’s ability to pay. Athletics are reviewed for efficiency, and organizations like the Sports Club fundraise for various costs, reducing reliance on taxpayer funding.

9. Why do we need Math and ELA coaches?

The district has already reduced all Math coaches and is reviewing remaining coaching positions to evaluate whether further reductions are possible.

At the same time, it is important to clarify that instructional coaches are not “extra” in the way some people may assume. The research has shown that instructional coaches have 98% greater impact on faculty and staff when providing in-house professional learning versus having faculty go out to large conferences to improve their professional craft.

The role of the coach is to support teachers, improve classroom instruction, help implement curriculum consistently, and use student data to strengthen outcomes so that our faculty and staff have quality meaningful professional learning throughout the year that they can directly implement with students in the classroom.

In particular, ELA coaching and new Literacy program resources have been directly connected to EUFSD’s improved student performance over the past several years. When instructional practices improve across classrooms, the impact reaches far more students than one individual classroom position.

10. Is the district too top-heavy with administration?

Administrative costs are less than 10% of the overall budget, in line with district averages. Central Office Administrators often hold dual roles (e.g., one person leads both HR/Technology, and one leads K-12 curriculum instead of three). The Board has restructured roles to move support closer to buildings and major reductions in administration were made in the last 4 years. If there are not enough administrators with the appropriate certification from the State to complete work that requires administrative oversight, the district is open to liability.

The central administrative team contains approximately 19 people. and is significantly smaller than our faculty/staff population of more than 400 employees. This

year, we have reduced one full administrator. In addition, to the reduction of three full administrators that were reduced in the last two years. 

With these reductions, Central Office roles have become 'dual roles' for one  administrator. For example, instead of a Director of Human Resources and a Director of Technology, we now have one person who leads both departments. In addition, instead of a Director of Elementary Curriculum, plus a Director of Secondary Curriculum, and an Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum, we reduced two of the roles and appointed one person to lead the entire curriculum department.

 

11. Why can’t we focus only on core academics?

Academics are the foundation, but a competitive education today includes a full student experience: academic rigor, Advanced Placement coursework, arts, athletics, leadership, and wellness support. Offering only the minimum will not prepare students to compete for college admissions. It is our intention to produce well-rounded graduates who are prepared for life beyond Eastchester’s walls.

 

12. Are class sizes really 17 or 18 students?

No, that number is inaccurate. Class size varies by grade, subject, and program (e.g., some are smaller due to special education). Current averages generally range from 20–23 in elementary to 25–27 in middle school specials classes and 27-28 in Middle School exploratory (Specials Classes).

 

13. What is the district debt situation? Is the debt level a problem?

Debt is normal for school districts and is often used to fund long-term capital investments (e.g., repairs, roofs, safety upgrades) that benefit the community over many years.

The key question is not simply whether debt exists. Instead, consider asking:

i.         Is the debt being used for appropriate long-term investments?

ii.         Is the repayment schedule manageable?

iii.         Is the debt level consistent with comparable districts or municipalities?

iv.         Is the district maintaining a responsible credit profile?

 v.         Are taxpayers receiving long-term value from the projects being funded?

c.         A healthy level of debt is normal and typical for school districts. All debt service is carefully managed and planned investments in school infrastructure.

 

14. Why did employee benefits increase so much?

Employee benefits (health insurance, retirement, payroll taxes) are a major cost driver. Increases, especially health insurance premiums, are rising much faster than inflation and are not within the district's control due to state systems and actuarial requirements..

 

15. Why do we need School Resource Officers? We did not have them before?

School safety expectations have changed significantly. SROs support building security, threat assessment, emergency planning, and community relations. The Town pays for one of the four positions. With the reduction of two School Resource Officers in this revised budget, we would like to remind all families that every school will continue to maintain a security guard at all times. Safety is always our number one priority.

 

16. Why can’t the district just cut more?

Additional cuts are being made following the failed vote. However, every 1% reduction (approx. $900,000) translates to roughly 10–12 additional staff positions. Cuts beyond a certain point fundamentally change class sizes, student services, and the overall quality of education. The Board must maintain a fiscally responsible approach while continuing to provide students and families with the educational experience that they deserve.

 

17. Why are special education out-of-district placement costs so high?

The district is legally required to use state-approved outplacements when student needs cannot be met internally. https://www.nysed.gov/special-education/approved-private-special-act-state-operated-and-state-supported-schools-new-yor

These placements can be volatile and expensive, ranging from $65,000 to over $700,000 per child. The district is actively growing internal programs to reduce reliance on costly outplacements. Even one student with profound needs can swing a budget unexpectedly if circumstances suddenly change.

 

18. Is the district applying for grants and outside funding?

Yes, the district aggressively pursues grants for capital improvements, technology, and safety. Grants are typically restricted and cannot cover recurring operating expenses. They are a part of the long-term strategy to fund important work without relying only on taxpayers.

 

What is a tax levy? And how is it different from a tax rate?

A tax rate denotes the percentage used to determine how much property tax a resident will pay during a fiscal year. A tax levy represents the total amount of funds that a school district or local government may collect on that tax rate.

 

 

Who created this tax levy?

To learn more about the NYS Property Tax Cap, click here. On June 24, 2011 the property tax cap was signed into law. 

 

What is the property tax cap?   

The tax cap law establishes a limit on the annual growth of property taxes levied by local governments and school districts to two percent or the rate of inflation, whichever is less.    

 

Who is subject to the tax cap?  

The cap applies to all independent school districts outside of the Big Five Cities (i.e. dependent school districts) and to all local governments including counties, cities, towns, villages and special districts (except those special districts noted below).  The cap does not apply to New York City.  

 

 Are there exceptions to the tax cap?  

There are limited, narrow exclusions to the cap, including certain costs of significant judgments arising out of tort actions and unusually large year-to-year increases in pension contribution rates.  

 

Is there an override mechanism to the tax cap?  

The tax levy cannot exceed the cap unless 60 percent of voters (for school districts) or 60 percent of the total voting power of the governing body (for local governments) approve such increase.   

 

When is the tax cap effective? 

The cap first applies to local fiscal years beginning in 2012.  Local budgets that commenced in 2011 but conclude in 2012 are not affected.   

 

What does it mean when people say the tax cap is 'artificially low'?

Artificially low tax levies occur when abatements, caps and policy decisions lead to tax assessments coming in below market value. As a result, school districts can often suffer greatly when tax rates do not keep up with inflation and other budget drivers.

When the cost of educating a pupil and inflation continues to rise, a static 2% tax cap can act as an artificial representation of what districts really need to educate their students and operate their budget. Actual costs often do not mirror costs that are kept low by caps that do not accurately represent true costs.

 

What does it mean to invest in a school district or invest in the future?

Investment in a school district generally leads to an enhancement of the level of education students in a district receive. Improved student outcomes often impact a community’s overall financial health, serving to raise property values and boost the local economy. Investing in a school district means to watch programs grow and student outcomes increase and get better over time. Planting a seed and watching it grow throughout a student’s K-12 academic journey is an investment for the future.

The Eastchester Schools have shown tremendous growth and achievement in the last 5 years. With the expansion of course offerings; increased field experiences; fortified counseling and social emotional teams/curriculum; additional modified and freshman athletic teams; extensive facilities upgrades; district wide technology upgrades in all classrooms, labs, libraries and other learning spaces; increased arts in education experiences; increases academic achievement in Literacy and Mathematics as reflected in regents outcomes and standardized testing scores; two schools with US News Best Schools designations; elevated college admission practices and outcomes; etc.

 

What have the Eastchester Schools done in the last three years that sets it apart from The Eastchester Schools, I know from when I went to school?

Over the last three years, the EUFSD has invested in several vital areas, including school safety and student performance and experience. In this time, the district has improved school security by partnering with the town of Eastchester and the Eastchester Police Department to station School Resource Officers at each school campus. Furthermore, renovations to school entrance areas—including strengthened security booths and  ensuring that only students, faculty, staff and those with business in our schools are allowed into our buildings. 

The district has also made tremendous strides in terms of instructional technology, as our efforts have allowed students in grades K-12 to benefit from greater access to technology both in and out of the classroom.  

Click here to see presentations from EHS, the technology department, curriculum & instruction, and the special education department.

 

How come we have to go over the tax levy this year if we’ve not had to do that in the last 10 years?

Over the last several years, the EUFSD has sought to balance its responsibilities to both students and community members without putting undue strain on taxpayers. 

However, budget drivers, including transportation and energy costs, have risen substantially due to inflation. This inflation—combined with the loss of roughly $1 million in state aid—necessitates that the district must surpass the tax levy cap in order to ensure that our schools continue to provide the high level of service to our students that our families and community members have come to expect.

 

What is FLES?

FLES stands for Foreign Language in Elementary Schools and provides students early exposure to world languages such as Spanish and French. 

In the past, Eastchester students have officially begun their world language education as middle schoolers. Over the last several years, however, the EUFSD has begun to introduce students to global languages earlier in their academic journeys, beginning with the launch of FLES at Waverly in the 2023-24 school year. 

Since then, FLES instruction has been expanded to serve students in grades K-5. 

 

Will we have Mandarin as a foreign language in the Eastchester Schools?

There has been strong support to include Mandarin as a foreign language offering in the Eastchester Schools. We are reviewing how we might be able to accomplish the addition of another language offering at EMS and EHS. However, we will not be offering Mandarin at this time.

 

Why is it necessary to go to a 3-tier bus model?

EUFSD currently has a fleet of 18 large yellow school buses. Based on ridership data and an indepth route analysis conducted by our bus company and the district transportation coordinator, the EUFSD can reduce the fleet by 4 large yellow buses while maintaining the distance and duration students spend on a bus to get to and from school. The three (3) tier model has a potential savings of up to $400,000. Click here to see the full transportation presentation.

 

Is the shool district going to discontinue the Free School Lunch program?

No, the school district is not discontinuing the free school lunch program. We are very proud to provide free meals to all of our Eastchester students in accordance with the New York State school lunch program. As long as the state does not change their supplemental financial support for the free lunch program, Eastchester will continue to provide free lunches to all students.

 

Has the governor's budget passed yet? And what does that have to do with a school budget?

No, the governor’s budget has not been fully adopted yet. On Monday, April 20, the fifth emergency extension bill was approved by the legislature. The governor’s budget indicates how much aid and funding school districts will get. If the governor’s budget is reduced further, there is a possibility that school districts will receive even less funding than New York State announced at the start of the school year.

 

Will budget line items be made available to the public?

Yes, All budget line items will be posted to the website.

 

Why are there two different increases? I see a budget increase and a tax increase.

There is an overall year-to-year budget increase. There is also a year-to-year tax levy increase based on the state's required tax levy formula. They are two different numbers. 

 

How do you calculate a tax levy increase?

 

I want to advocate for our school district to get more funding. What am I advocating for?

You can advocate for an increase in the Foundation Aid cap and for Eastchester to receive more than an 1% increase each year.

Foundation Aid is a helpful funding source for school districts. Eastchester district is currently capped at a 1% increase (save harmless). While other districts can receive greater increases. 

What is a super majority? And why do we have to have a super majority in order to pass the budget?

In NYS school budget votes, a supermajority = at least 60% of voters approving the budget

Because the 2026-2027 Budget proposal exceeds the state’s tax levy cap, it requires at least 60% voter approval. 

And that’s why it’s critical to get people to come out and vote.

 

What happens if the school district budget vote fails?

We must work as a community to get people out to vote otherwise, we will face a contingency budget.

 

What is a Contingency Budget?

If Eastchester’s budget does not achieve the required 60% approval, the district would be required to adopt a contingency budget with a 0% tax levy increase.

 

What meetings can I attend to learn more about this year’s budget?

Please see the schedule below for upcoming PTA meetings to learn more about the 2026-2027 BOE Adopted Budget. Community members can also visit the district’s main budget website by clicking this link to view the Budget FAQ and any other budget related presentations and documents. As more information is provided, it will be updated on this site.

 

I heard that we don’t have intervention or MTSS anymore. Is that true?

No, that is not true. Intervention services through the Multi-Tiered Support System are provided through all five of our schools in literacy, mathematics and social emotional support, where applicable. We have dedicated personnel called Academic Intervention Support (AIS) teachers who provide tier 2 & 3 intervention support at each school. And, it is important to remember that classroom teachers also provide tier 1 and sometimes tier 2 intervention support at the classroom level.

How can I help get the word out about our budget?

On May 19th, polls will be open for voters to cast their ballots. Spread the word by reminding your neighbors to mark it on their calendars; pass on a reminder via social media or text; come out and vote! 

Why can’t the district cut even more?

Since the beginning of creating the 2026-2027 budget, the district started with almost $1M less in anticipated aid than last year in addition to unanticipated special education costs and  the known increases of contractual agreements. With all of that, the district has now reduced approximately -$3M in costs that include the reduction of 25.4 FTE Full Time Employee positions in order to arrive at a 6.31% tax levy increase.

If we reduce even more, we will have to cut programs, increase class sizes, reduce additional personnel positions and limit athletics and extracurricular activities. The current adopted budget allows us to hold on to the investments we’ve made in our students and the programs they benefit from.

Where can I find a copy of the 2026-2027 Adopted Budget and the budget book that contains all of the line items?

On the Main district website, there is a ‘Budget Button’ that will lead you to all documents related to this year’s budget. Click here to be redirected to that page.

I’m not in town, how do I vote from out of town?

Check out the website for more information: Absentee Ballots and Early Mail Ballots
Applications for Absentee Ballots and Early Mail Ballots are available at the District Clerk’s Office at the District Office during normal business hours (8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.) or by downloading the applications.  The applications should be submitted in original form, with the original signature on it.  It must be submitted no earlier than thirty days (30) days and no later than seven (7) days before the Annual Election (by May 12, 2026), if the ballot is to be mailed to the voter and no later than May 18, 2026, if the ballot is to be delivered personally to the voter.  The Absentee Ballot and Early Mail Ballot must be received by the District Clerk by 5:00 p.m. on the day of the vote/election in order to be counted.

Application for absentee Ballot - English version
Application for absentee Ballot - Spanish version

Early voting application - English version
Early voting application - Spanish version

I hope you are all off to a great weekend! 

This past Tuesday, I presented the Board of Education with the 2026–2027 Proposed Superintendent's Budget.   As the  budget process moves forward, we will continue to focus on the detailed work of refining the proposed budget in preparation for its adoption on Tuesday, April 21, 2026.

The budget process involves many stakeholders and begins in the fall. The final couple of months are dedicated to many workshops and ongoing discussions that help us ensure our district continues to move programs forward, at a desirable level, while finding efficiencies across all departments and lines. 

On March 18, the Board held a joint Budget Retreat with district administrators to carefully review priorities and identify every possible efficiency at the building level. On April 7, initial questions and wonderings by the Board of Education were explored. And, as recently as April 10, Board trustees and cabinet team administrators engaged in deeper discussion on really weighing our priorities and vision as a district—once again exploring areas where we can find savings, delay in implementation, or eliminate/do without. 

With input from the district administrative team, the Governance Team—composed of BOE Trustees and the Superintendent—shares the collective goal of presenting a fiscally responsive, forward-thinking budget that is dedicated to the advancement and elevation of our district. In short, we are committed to investing in our district long-term.

At the upcoming Board meeting scheduled for Tuesday, April 21, 2026, an updated and refined budget based on the work collectively achieved in meetings and work sessions leading up to now, will be presented once again to the public.

In addition, throughout this month and May, leading up to voting day, I will be presenting at the following public PTA meetings to share more information about the budget and highlight the growing accomplishments of our schools. I hope that our community will join an upcoming meeting to learn more about our goals and priorities for the upcoming 2026-2027 school year.

Community members can also visit the district’s main budget website by clicking this link to view any presentations leading up to April 21. As more information is provided, it will be updated on this site.

It has been an absolute pleasure getting to know Eastchester as a community over these last several months, as I have seen first-hand the dedication and commitment to excellence that is clear throughout our entire district. It is an immense privilege to be your superintendent. Highlighting the good work in our schools and watching our students shine academically, in the athletic arena, on the stage, and out in the world, is truly a source of pride. 

When you attend Eastchester Schools, it's true...you are getting a top-notch education.

Sincerely, 

Dr. Villanueva