District overview
Funding structure, how it compares to peers, and where major projects stand.
Kenmore-Tonawanda is an ordinary formula-funded New York district. Its 2026-27 budget is $203,967,000. Property taxes pay about half and state aid about 38.5%, with the rest from sales tax, other income and savings. New York caps how fast the tax levy can grow, and voters approve the budget each May.
The levy rose 2.31% for 2026-27, from $97.8 million. The state tax-cap formula limited the increase. The estimated tax rate is $60.53 per $1,000 of assessed value, up from $59.16.
Mostly Foundation Aid. The district is a 'save harmless' district, meaning the state guarantees at least a small yearly increase (proposed at 1%).
The district planned to use $8.65 million of its fund balance. Its total fund balance was $44.9 million on June 30, 2025, of which $29.6 million is in restricted reserves.
Instruction is $113.6 million and employee benefits $47.1 million (health insurance is the largest driver). Debt service is $16.7 million, transportation $6.9 million.
A $5.5 million gap was closed in spring 2026 partly with one-time savings. This does not show the district is in trouble: reserves are large and voters approved the budget by about 80%.
Up $6,062,081 (3.06%) from $197,904,919 in 2025-26.
Prior four-year average 2.10%.
From the NYSED data site page reproduced in the 2026-27 budget book. The tax-cap form lists 6,649 (2025-26) and 6,771 (2026-27) public school enrollment, which uses a different count.
$203,967,000 divided by 6,301 students. It includes debt, transportation, benefits and services for private-school students, so it is not a classroom figure.
Includes $29.6 million restricted reserves and $7.8 million unassigned.
From the district's budget information page.
The Board follows an annual cycle: budget calendar in October, work sessions February to March, adoption April 13, hearing May 11, and the public vote with a board election on May 18, 2027.
Local property tax, state aid and fund balance
Students may not use phones or smartwatches anywhere on school grounds all day; devices are stored in lockers.
Operating budget (classroom phone lockers cost not stated)
One armed officer per school through the Tarian Group, daily weapons screening in middle and high schools, and added unarmed security officers.
Operating budget; cost not stated in collected records
Annual vote for school board seats and the 2027-28 budget. The district clerk's schedule lists the seat of the trustee whose term ends in 2027 (Frederick Floss, per the board roster) as the expiring term; candidate filing is not yet announced.
Official source · verified Oct 20, 2026
$203,967,000
Voters approved the $203,967,000 budget 973 to 242.
Official source · verified Oct 20, 2026
$1,400,000
Voters approved buying buses and a service vehicle at an estimated maximum cost of $1.4 million, 941 to 258.
Official source · verified Oct 20, 2026
Karen Whitelaw (1,050 votes) and Lee Ann Vogt (1,049) were elected unopposed to terms ending June 30, 2029.
Official source · verified Oct 20, 2026
Built from the district's published budget presentations, budget book and notice, board meeting schedule, phone policy, and district newsletter, read in October 2026. Board agendas and minutes are not covered.
We read every agenda, packet, recording, and set of minutes, and write up the decisions that affect families — each one linked to the document it came from.
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