District overview
West Seneca Central School District
How West Seneca schools are funded, governed and changing.
Where does the money come from, and who decides?
West Seneca is an ordinary New York school district. Each May, voters approve or reject the budget and elect board members. The 2026-27 budget is about $170.7 million. State aid is the largest source, followed by property taxes. A state cap limits how much the tax levy can grow each year without a supermajority vote, and 2026-27's levy grew 2.23%.
Budget of $170.7 million
The 2026-27 budget is up $8.2 million (5.05%) from $162.5 million. The district reported that voters approved it on May 19, 2026.
State aid is the biggest source
The district's mailer shows about 44% of revenue from state aid and about 43% from property taxes, with sales tax and other income making up the rest. Foundation Aid and building aid change from year to year with the state budget.
Seven-seat elected board
Voters elect members to unpaid three-year terms. The board hires the superintendent, sets policy and proposes the budget. It has six members now because a trustee resigned in 2026 and the board chose to let voters fill the seat in May 2027.
Capital projects use state building aid
Big building work goes to a separate vote. For the 2026 project the state is expected to pay about 82% of eligible costs, so local taxes pay a smaller share, and not until 2029.
The budget relied on reserves and state aid that were still uncertain in spring: a draft in March showed an $8 million gap before reserves. This does not show mismanagement; the latest audit opinion says the financial statements present the district's finances fairly.
Where the district stands
Up $8,204,515 (5.05%) from the 2025-26 adopted budget of $162,495,482.
About $1.6 million more in taxes. The hearing estimated $77.12 more for a home assessed at $62,000.
Federal data lists about 6,148; the board has described declining enrollment and spare space.
Down $82,910 for the year; $6,499,819 of it is unassigned.
Calculated: $170,699,998 divided by 5,992 students. It includes transportation, benefits, debt and facilities, so it is not what is spent in a classroom.
Plus $74,633 in benefits, as reported to the state.
Major projects
Elementary school reconfiguration
East side done, west side nextTo fix crowded classrooms, elementary schools are being split into PreK-2 and grade 3-5 buildings. Clinton and Northwood switched in September 2026; Allendale, Winchester-Potters and West Elementary follow in fall 2027.
- Board adopts the plan, 7-0
- Furniture and supplies moved at Clinton and Northwood (week of July 20)
- First day of school in the new east-side setup
Funding
Operating budget plus capital project work; transportation routes combined
2026 Capital Improvement Project
Approved by voters; awaiting state approvalAn $80.2 million package: fire alarms, boilers, HVAC, playgrounds, restrooms, parking changes and turning both middle school pools into classrooms.
- Architects report needs over $400 million; board hears a $50-56 million target
- Voters approve (reported June 9)
- Design under way for first phases; state submissions planned from October
Funding
About 82% state building aid, $4 million capital reserve, $1.2 million other funds, remainder local taxes starting 2029
Vacate and sell the Ebenezer building
Offices moving during 2026-27District offices are moving from 900 Mill Rd to the East Middle campus so the building can be sold.
- Plan to vacate and sell presented
- Superintendent's office moves to East Middle campus
Funding
Operating budget; sale proceeds not yet stated
Recent news
Figures marked verified come from district documents (board presentations, the budget notice, the independent audit and a state-required report). Items marked context are calculations or outside background. Agendas and minutes sit on BoardDocs, which could not be saved, so board activity comes from meeting recordings and the superintendent's reports.
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