Dear Rome City School District Families, Staff, and Community Members,
As we shared Wednesday, the Rome City School District’s proposed 2026–2027 budget was not approved by voters, falling short by a narrow margin of 24 votes. Since that time, the Board of Education and district leadership have taken time to reflect on the outcome, carefully review community feedback, and engage in conversations with stakeholders across the community.
We recognize that one of the most consistent concerns expressed by voters was the impact of rising costs and the level of the proposed tax levy increase. We also understand that even modest increases can feel significant for households already managing broader economic pressures. That message was heard clearly and taken seriously.
Over the past several days, the Board of Education carefully considered the options available under New York State law as it determined next steps for the district:
One option was to adopt a contingency budget, which would require an immediate reduction of approximately $1 million in spending and would result in the loss or reduction of positions and supports. This would include planned additions such as a biology teacher, an Academic Intervention Support provider, and a teaching assistant. It would also reduce planned investments in school safety, including security personnel and security equipment. These reductions would directly impact the district’s ability to implement enhanced safety measures and expand academic support services for students.
A second option was to hold another vote in June on the same budget proposal presented on May 19.
The third option — and the one ultimately selected by the Board at its special meeting on May 21 — was to develop a revised budget proposal that responds directly to community feedback, including concerns about cost, while maintaining planned investments in student learning and school safety.
After careful consideration, the Board of Education has decided to move forward with this revised budget proposition, which is different from the proposal presented on May 19, and will be presented to voters on Tuesday, June 16.
The revised 2026–2027 budget reflects both fiscal responsibility and a direct response to what we heard from our community. Most notably, the proposed tax levy increase has been reduced from 2.89% to 2.5%, providing additional tax relief to property owners while still preserving the core educational programs, staffing additions, and services our students rely on. This adjustment was made intentionally to better align the budget with community expectations around affordability and responsible spending.
In addition to the reduction in the tax levy, the revised budget includes administrative adjustments, including the elimination of a director-level position and recruitment modifications within Human Resources. These changes reduce overall costs while minimizing impact on classroom instruction and student-facing services.
A revised budget newsletter outlining these adjustments and additional details is currently being prepared and will be shared electronically with the community in the coming days. In addition, the revised budget will be presented at a public budget hearing on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, beginning at 5:15 p.m. Community members are encouraged to attend. A recording of the meeting will be available on June 3 through the district website at romecsd.org/page/meeting-schedule.
Throughout this process, the Board has worked to balance fiscal responsibility with continued progress on the district’s strategic priorities. This revised proposal reflects our community’s shared commitment to strong schools and responsible financial stewardship, while more directly addressing concerns about affordability. The adjustments being made will allow the district to remain focused on student learning, maintain planned safety enhancements, preserve key instructional supports, and support long-term financial stability.
Most importantly, we want our community to know that this process has been guided by care, collaboration, and a genuine commitment to listening. Feedback shared through conversations, emails, and the vote itself has been taken seriously and carefully considered.
In the coming weeks, the district will continue providing opportunities for community engagement through informational materials, social media communication, and updates on the district website. Our goal is to ensure residents have clear, accurate information as they prepare to vote on June 16.
The Rome City School District remains deeply committed to providing high-quality educational opportunities and meaningful support for every student we serve. We are grateful for the continued partnership of our families, employees, residents, and community members as we move forward together.
Thank you for your continued engagement, thoughtful feedback, and support of the Rome City School District.
Sincerely,
Nerlande Anselme
Superintendent of Schools