The Cortland Enlarged City School District serves 1,778 students across 5 buildings. The proposed 2026–27 budget of $58M requires a 6.50% tax levy increase (above the 4.64% cap) and will need 60% voter approval to pass. Learn what this budget funds and make your voice heard on May 19th.
City of Cortland & Cortlandville Residents: Cortland Jr Sr High School 8 Valley View Drive, Cortland
Virgil, Lapeer, Harford & Dryden Residents: Virgil Town Hall 1176 Church St, Cortland
1,778
Students Enrolled 2025-26
$56.5M
2026-27 Proposed Revenue
6.50%
Proposed Tax Levy Increase 2026-27
75%
State Reimbursement on BOCES Expenses
Property Tax Estimator
What does this mean for you?
Answer three quick questions to get a personalized estimate of how the proposed 2026–27 budget may affect your school tax bill.
Your Personal Estimate
How much will this budget cost me?
True Value is the full market value, like the estimate you’d see on Zillow or from a recent appraisal.
Assessed Value is what your municipality lists for tax purposes, found on your tax bill.
Select the municipality where your property is located.
The STAR exemption reduces the assessed value used to calculate your school tax. If you're unsure, check your tax bill, which will show a STAR deduction if you have it.
Complete the steps on the left to see your estimate
Estimated Monthly Increase
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per month added to your school tax bill
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per year
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per week
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per day
* This is an estimate for informational purposes only based on the proposed 2026–27 budget. Final tax rates are set after budget adoption on April 20, 2026. Contact Cortland County Real Property Tax Services for specifics.
About This Budget
What this budget supports
Enrollment has declined nearly 11% since 2020–21 and is projected to continue falling. At the same time, the complexity of student needs has grown significantly over the past decade. The district is working to protect what it can for every student it serves.
Teaching & Staff
After difficult reductions this year, this budget is designed to protect remaining positions. The district will have 32 special education teachers serving a student population where 1 in 5 students has a disability.
Current Positions
Arts, Athletics & Electives
The district offers 26 interscholastic sports and a wide range of clubs and extracurricular activities. These programs support engagement and well-being for hundreds of students each year.
Current Programs
Student Support Services
Student needs have grown significantly over the past decade. This budget works to keep counseling, special education, and mental health resources in place for the students who depend on them most.
Support Structure
Budget Breakdown
Where does every dollar go?
Based on the 2026–27 proposed budget. Below you will find the breakdown of where the budget is spent.
Regular Instruction & Teaching27.3% 路 $15.9M
Special Education17.3% 路 $10.0M
Employee Benefits (all staff)27.0% 路 $15.7M
Capital: Facilities & Debt Service15.4% 路 $9.0M
Administration & District Support4.9% 路 $2.8M
Transportation3.0% 路 $1.7M
All other5.1% 路 $2.9M
Important Dates
Mark your calendar
Key milestones in the 2026–27 budget process.
April 20
Monday, April 20, 2026
Budget Adopted by BOE
Board of Education adopts the final 2026–27 budget and Property Tax Report Card.
May 5
Tuesday, May 5, 2026, 3:00–8:00 PM
Voter Registration Day
Kaufman Center, 1 Valley View Drive, Cortland Register or verify your eligibility to vote.
May 5
Tuesday, May 5, 2026, 5:00 PM
Public Budget Hearing
Cortland Jr Sr High School - Auditorium, 8 Valley View Drive, Cortland Open to all community members.
May 12
Tuesday, May 12, 2026
Deadline for Absentee Ballot Mail-In Application
Last day absentee ballots are mailed to qualified voters who have requested one.
May 19
Budget Vote
Tuesday, May 19, 2026, 12:00–9:00 PM
Budget Vote & BOE Election
Cortland Jr/Sr High School, 8 Valley View Drive Virgil, Lapeer, Harford and Dryden residents: Virgil Town Hall, 1176 Church St, Cortland
5pm Mail-In Deadline to Kaufman Center - 1 Valley View Drive
June 16
Tuesday, June 16, 2026
Revote Day (if needed)
Statewide budget revote day. Only applicable if the May 19 vote does not pass.
Resources
Budget documents & reports
The following reports were prepared by independent education consultants and presented to the Board of Education on January 27, 2026. They form the foundation of the 2026–27 budget development process.