The 2026-2027 Budget Newsletter is now available digitally, and a printed copy is being mailed and should arrive within the next week.
You can review the newsletter here: https://aptg.co/ZFPztl
The entire increase shown in the tax levy is fully offset by the taxes Stagecoach Pipeline will pay through the regular tax roll. The tax levy to the rest of the community is 0%. If the Stagecoach Pipeline (formerly CNYOG) Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) was not coming back onto the tax rolls this year, the district’s tax levy would once again be 0% for the fourth time in the last six years. The district’s average tax levy change remains historically low at 0.80% over the past 5 years and 1.14% over the past 10 years.
2026–2027 Proposed Budget at a Glance
The Board of Education has adopted a $63,567,555 spending plan. This budget is guided by our Blueprint for Excellence and the SOAR initiative, ensuring we maintain and grow student programs from UPK through 12th grade while remaining fiscally responsible.
Proposition 2 (Bus Bond): A $1,085,000 measure to purchase five new diesel school buses to ensure a safe and modern transportation fleet.
Board of Education Election: Three seats are up for election. Candidates include Mr. Michael Aubel, Mr. Joseph Palladino, and Mrs. Jessica Silvanic.
Understanding the "Accounting Shift"
For several years, Stagecoach Pipeline has been one of our largest taxpayers under a special agreement called a PILOT. This agreement expired in March 2026. By law, these payments must now move from the "Miscellaneous Revenue" category to the "Property Tax Levy" category.
Because of this mandated shift in how we account for these funds, residents will notice a significant change on the upcoming Property Tax Report Card:
The Appearance: It will look like there is a 17.10% increase in the district’s tax levy.
The Reality: This is strictly a technical accounting change. The "increase" is actually the $3,183,700 payment from Stagecoach Pipeline moving from one category to another. The Tax Levy increase for residents remains at 0%.
This is not a new spending decision. The increase in the levy is fully offset by the increase in the taxable base. In practical terms, residents can expect an impact of approximately 0% on their school tax bills.
Important Voting Information
We encourage all residents to stay informed and participate in the upcoming budget vote.
Public Hearing: May 11, 2026, at 6:00 PM (OA District Office)
Superintendent Green will join Bob Joseph on WNBF on May 12, 2026, at 10:05 am
Superintendent Green will join Matt Lewis on WEBO on May 14, 2026, at 8:00 am
Annual Budget Vote: May 19, 2026, from 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Location 1: OACSD District Office (5 Sheldon Guile Blvd, Owego)
Location 2: Apalachin Elementary School (405 Pennsylvania Ave, Apalachin)
Locations are based on residency. Voters must be U.S. citizens, at least 18 years old, and residents of the district for at least 30 days. If not registered to vote, please bring a valid photo ID.
For more details, visual breakdowns of the PILOT transition, and absentee ballot information, please visit www.oacsd.org/page/school-budget-information.
Thank you for your continued partnership and support of our students and schools.