WURTSBORO  — The Pine Bush School District, located partially within the Town of Mamakating, is proposing a $149.85 million budget for the upcoming 2025-26 school year, focusing on maintaining strong educational programs while meeting critical student needs. 

While the district is awaiting final state budget figures, key initiatives are already in place and were presented before the Mamakating Town Board on April 1. 

Assistant Superintendent Joseph Lenz, who attended the Mamakating’s Tuesday night regular town board meeting, explained that the current budget stands at about $141.5 million, and the proposed budget represents an $8.3 million increase. The budget will be funded through $7.16 million in additional state aid and a 1.62 percent increase in the tax levy.

The total cost for the proposed additions – including new teachers and math teams – will be approximately $320,000 with the extracurricular programs costing around $6,200. The district is also adjusting for a reduction in interest revenue due to anticipated federal interest rate changes.

Residents within the school district will have the opportunity to vote on the proposed budget on May 20 at Circleville Elementary School and Pine Bush High School.

Strengthening early 

childhood, special

 education

A key priority in the proposed budget is maintaining the district’s early childhood education and special education programs. 

Superintendent Amy Brockner, who was also present, highlighted the importance of the district’s 12 full-day Pre-K classrooms, which serve 196 students.

These full-day programs provide essential social, emotional, and academic preparation for kindergarten. The district has expanded from eight half-day classrooms to better support its youngest learners.

In response to a shortage of county providers for special education services, Pine Bush has become an approved county provider. The budget includes the addition of a Committee on Special Education Itinerant Teacher to ensure students receive necessary services like speech, occupational and physical therapy.

Expanding Career and

Technical education

The proposed budget also supports Career & Technical Education (CTE). Brockner shared, “We expect to maintain student access to OU (Orange-Ulster) BOCES CTE programs.” The district plans to continue offering CTE programs for 265 students. 

Additionally, a new in-district Business CTE program has been state-approved and will launch next year. To meet the demand for this program, an additional Business teacher will be hired.

Meeting special 

education growth

With increasing special education enrollment, particularly in grades 3-5, the district will add a special education teacher to comply with state-required student-to-teacher ratios, ensuring that students continue to receive high-quality support.

Enhancing 

extracurricular programs

The district also plans to expand extracurricular activities. A new Math Team will be introduced at both Circleville and Crispell Middle Schools, modeled after the high school’s successful program.

This will provide targeted support for students excelling in math and prepare them for future academic challenges.

Taking questions

In response to Town Councilman Peter Goodman, Assistant Superintendent Lenz provided insight into the district’s response to shifting enrollment trends and the growing demand for special education services.

Lenz explained that while overall enrollment is expected to decrease by approximately 150 students over the next six years, the students enrolling have more complex needs, particularly in special education. 

This shift has led the district to focus on providing services in-house rather than relying on external providers.

“...We’re adjusting staffing accordingly,” Lenz said.

Lenz emphasized that the district regularly monitors staffing levels. 

“If a retirement occurs, we assess whether the position should be replaced or if it can be reallocated.”