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The Liverpool Central School District in New York is proposing a $20 million increase in its budget for the 2026-27 school year, largely due to rising health insurance costs. During a school board meeting on Monday (February 23), district leaders presented the first draft of the budget, highlighting an anticipated 8 percent increase in health insurance expenses.
Superintendent Richard Chapman explained that the district is self-insured, meaning it directly bears the cost of claims. Expensive treatments and the growing use of GLP-1 medication contribute to the rising costs. Chapman noted, "It's not necessarily a Liverpool thing, it's an everywhere thing," pointing out that both private industries and school districts are facing similar challenges with escalating health care costs.
In addition to health insurance, the district is seeing increased expenses in employee wages, projecting a 5 percent rise this year. Substitute teachers and overtime from snow days are contributing factors. To offset these costs, the district plans to dip into its savings fund. If the proposal is approved, the overall tax levy would decrease to 2 percent.
Residents will vote on the budget proposal on Tuesday, May 19, 2026. The board of education is expected to present another draft of the budget on March 9.