Akron Board of Education monitoring state budget
The Akron Central School Board of Education is monitoring the developing New York State budget as they consider their 2026-2027 budget proposal.
Superintendent of Schools Andrea Taylor and School Business Administrator Paul Kowalski shared an overview of the State of the State and Governor’s budget proposal with implications for the District during the Board’s meeting last week. A summary of that presentation follows.
Education Initiatives
Proposed is extending universal Pre-K for four-year-olds across New York State by the start of the 2028–29 school year, ensuring that all families who want this educational opportunity for their children can access it regardless of location or income.
If implemented as proposed, this initiative would dramatically increase the State’s financial contribution for Pre-K seats, supporting both 115,000 existing seats currently in operation and new seats that will expand access to underserved communities.
It would establish a consistent Pre-K grant funded at the higher of $10,000 per seat or the school district’s current selected Foundation Aid per pupil, ensuring adequate resources for quality programming. Pre-K expansion reflects a commitment of approximately $500 million, representing a transformational investment in early childhood education infrastructure. It would ensure that every child has the opportunity to enter kindergarten ready to learn, with strong foundational skills in literacy, numeracy, and social-emotional development.
New York State has implemented a universal free school meals policy that provides breakfast and lunch to all students at no cost, regardless of family income. This groundbreaking initiative removes barriers to nutrition and ensures that no child goes
hungry during the school day. Two point seven million students are served with children have access to a free breakfast and lunch daily. A reported per child average monthly savings of $165.
The program directly addresses food insecurity in the classroom, ensuring students have the nutrition they need to focus on learning.
Implementation of a comprehensive statewide ban on the use of smartphones in schools during instructional time, creating consistent expectations across all districts continues. The initiative has led to demonstrably improved classroom environments, with teachers reporting fewer distractions and stronger student-to-student interactions. Better student engagement reported in 83 percent of schools surveyed, with educators noting increased participation, focus, and on-task behavior, including in the Akron Central School District.
A new initiative provides free community college tuition for students ages 25–55 who are pursuing careers in high-demand fields. This program removes financial barriers for career changers and adult learners seeking to upskill or reskill. Therver 11,000 students currently participating in the program and there is a proposal to expand the Tuition Assistance Program to increase both award amounts and income eligibility thresholds.
Literacy Support for In-Service Teachers initiatives includes Free Science of Reading Microcredentials. Current teachers can access no-cost microcredentials through SUNY or CUNY institutions, removing financial barriers to professional learning.
Microcredentials provide focused, high-quality training in evidence-based literacy practices that teachers can immediately apply in their classrooms. Intensive support and resources specifically directed toward high-need districts that are currently lagging in Science of Reading adoption rates.
Proposed is requiring the State Education Department to provide comprehensive instructional best practices in mathematics, with guidance and resources aligned with state learning standards. A Higher Education Partnership with SUNY and CUNY will develop specialized microcredentials in evidence-based math instruction, providing teachers with accessible professional learning opportunities. Launch of comprehensive statewide professional learning initiative, including regional hub pilots that will serve as centers of excellence for mathematics instruction.
Support for strategic partnerships between high-need school districts and qualified tutoring providers, creating sustainable infrastructure for individualized student support is included. This would provide intensive, evidence-based tutoring in literacy and mathematics tailored to each student’s specific learning needs and gaps. Tutoring follows high-impact tutoring principles, including frequent sessions, consistent tutor-student relationships, and data-driven instruction. Participation is voluntary and limited to interested districts, ensuring local control and buy-in for implementation success.
Creating a Sustainable Teacher Pipeline is also proposed on the state level. It is projected that 180K new teachers are required over the next decade statewide. Proposed is expansion of the TeachNY Recruits initiative to support recruitment and retention of more than 7,000 teacher candidates. Also proposed is a New accelerated teacher preparation pathway designed for professionals transitioning from other careers into teaching; Launch of innovative P-TEACH programs that introduce high school students to the teaching profession early; and Establishment of a comprehensive Teacher Shortage Task Force coordinated by the Rockefeller Institute.
Another initiative is Establishing the Empire AI Student Challenge- K–12 student groups identify real public problems in their communities. Teams develop innovative AI-based solutions with guidance from educators. Each team works with a sponsoring educator or AI expert mentor, and Educators and experts receive comprehensive training in responsible AI use. On-site showcase events at Empire AI member campuses including SUNY and CUNY
Local impact of proposed budget
The Governor’s Executive Budget Proposal – released January 20, 2026 indicates that Akron CSD would receive an increase of 1% in Foundation Aid as a “Save Harmless” District (a District for which the state formula would reduce aid based on several factors including student enrollment. Save Harmless status ensures state aid at least the level of the previous year).
UPK Aid would increase from $334,172 (2025-26) to $440,000 (+$105,828). “We are working to understand this increase and any stipulations that go along with it.,” Superintendent Taylor said. “In short, there appears to be a new, higher amount per student ($10,0000).”
The Governor’s proposed budget would increase BOCES Aid: $1,368,364 (2025-26) to $1,448,408 (+$80,044)
“This can be attributed to: a slight increase in the aid rate (66.2% to 67.8%), a $10,000 increase in BOCES “salary cap”, and increased purchase of BOCES services.” Taylor said.
Adjustments are expected in preliminary numbers showing increased Transportation Aid and Building Aid. Other categorical aids (Textbook, Software, Hardware, Library, etc.) slightly decrease in the proposed budget, consistent with enrollment.
Submission of the Executive Budget formally begins the state budget negotiation process. The Senate and Assembly now conduct comprehensive analysis of the Governor’s proposals, examining fiscal impact, policy implications, and constituent needs.
Each chamber develops its own budget priorities and policy responses, incorporating feedback from committees, and community partners. Proposals may be modified, expanded, reduced, or removed entirely during negotiations based on priorities and available resources.
All final details—including funding amounts, program specifications, eligibility criteria, and implementation timelines—will be determined through the 2026–27 State Budget adoption process. The District continues to monitor the state process while developing the budget which will be presented to voters in May.
The Board will receive Tax Levy Cap Calculations, Department/Building Presentations, February Aid information, and state One-House budget proposals as their work on a budget proposal continues through February and March.