At their meeting this month, Westfield Academy and Central School Board of Education members approved a resolution to be placed before voters on May 19, regarding a proposed budget of $21,359,328 for the 2026-27 school year.

The budget includes a total tax levy increase of 10.12%. However, only 1% is an increase for operational costs. The remaining 9.12% is to support the Capital Improvement Project, which voters approved in September 2024.

WACS superintendent Ryan Sikorski noted that the Capital Improvement project will only result in an increase in the coming year. “This amount will stay in the tax levy moving forward, but the district will not see additional increases to the tax levy related to the 2024 Capital Improvement Project,” he said. “This money is a direct result of the vote to approve the capital project.”

Sikorski said this would result in an average equalized tax increase of $167 for each $100,000 of assessed value. Approximately $142 would go to support the capital project costs and $25 would go toward operational expenses.

Sikorski went on to say that the district allowable operational increase is 3.54% However, the current recommendation proposes a 1% increase for operational expenses.

Business manager Josh Melquist who reviewed the budget noted that, at the time of the Capital Improvement vote, this district promised to keep the total tax increase below $230 per $100,000 of equalized property value. “Not only did we keep that promise, but we came in about $90 below that,” he said.

Board member Deanne Manzella also noted how the district struggled to keep the tax increase at a minimum. “It’s important when you look at a budget like this that we ask taxpayers to say yes to, not only did we not raise taxes to $230 for the capital project, but we also maintained our high standards for operation,” she said.

According to the resolution regarding the proposed budget, “the required funds therefore are hereby appropriated and the necessary real property taxes required shall be raised by a tax on the taxable property in the District, to be levied and collected as required by law.”

In his report to the board, Sikorski reflected on his eight months as Superintendent of Westfield. “The thing that keeps coming to me is gratitude,” he said. “The groundbreaking was great, the new sign looks great and I’m very grateful for our staff. We really have good people here, who are really in it for the kids.”

Sikorski emphasized that he feels the staff demonstrates characteristics of dedication. “There are important attributes that don’t require a lot of talent, such as a moral compass and hard work,” he said. “I see that in our staff.”

In his report to the board, Interim Middle/Secondary Principal Todd Crandell noted that students continue to be extremely compliant with the bell to bell cell phone policy. He also noted the school-wide P.R.I.D.E. program continues “to support and encourage positive student behavior.

Elementary Principal Molly Anderson told board members that the pre-K program was assessed by the Rochester Children’s Institute. “We are pleased to report a significant improvement in our rating, reflecting strengthened classroom practices and learning environments,” she said.

Anderson also noted that student art work is on display at the Lake Shore Center for the Arts in Westfield. “An exhibit opening was held for students and their families to look at all of the chosen pieces,” she said. “Westfield was well represented. Our students in K through 12 are talented.”

Later in the meeting, board members approved Anderson for tenure in the Administrative area, effective April 30. Director of Special Education and Instruction, Lauren Harper, was also approved for tenure in the Administrative area, effective June 30.