Voters Say Yes: Rome and West Canada Valley School Budgets Finally Approved

Revised spending plans pass after both districts faced rare budget defeats in May

Two Mohawk Valley school districts got a much-needed victory Tuesday night after voters approved revised budgets in back-to-back revotes, ending weeks of financial uncertainty for thousands of students and educators.

Both the Rome Central School District and the West Canada Valley Central School District had their original budgets rejected in May. Under New York State law, any district whose budget fails must hold a revote on June 16 or adopt a contingency plan that often means painful program cuts. Tuesday night, voters in both communities chose a different path, one that keeps schools funded and students supported.

Rome Voters Approve Revised Budget on the Second Try

The Rome City School District’s revised $165,388,086 budget for the 2026-2027 school year passed Tuesday with 1,104 votes in favor and 1,065 against. It was a close call, but a win nonetheless.

The original budget of $165,561,086 failed back on May 19 by just 24 votes, with 540 against and 516 in favor. District administrators went back to the drawing board, trimming $173,000 from the proposal. That reduction lowered the tax levy increase from 2.89% to 2.5%, while still keeping spending within the state tax cap limit.

What was cut? Two items came off the table:

• A new director of career development and fine arts position, valued at $157,000

• Human resources initiatives budgeted at $16,000

The overall budget-to-budget increase from last year remains $4,854,628, reflecting ongoing needs across the district.

Superintendent of Schools Nerlande Anselme expressed her gratitude to the community.

“On behalf of the board of education and the entire Rome City School District, thank you to everyone who took the time to vote and demonstrate continued support for our students, staff and school community,” Anselme said. “Your support of our schools and the four pillars of our strategic plan allows us to sustain and strengthen the programs, services and opportunities that help every student thrive academically, socially, and personally. Together, we will continue shaping tomorrow, one student at a time.”

The district’s Board of Education was scheduled to meet Wednesday evening, June 17, at 5:30 p.m. in the District Office Board Room at 409 Bell Road to officially accept the results and adopt the budget plan.

West Canada Valley Passes Budget With Strong Supermajority

The West Canada Valley Central School District had a bigger mountain to climb. Their original proposed budget of nearly $22 million included a 15% tax levy increase, the highest in the Mohawk Valley region. Because the increase exceeded the state-mandated tax cap, the district needed a 60% supermajority for approval. That first effort fell short by just 27 votes in May.

Their revised budget, at over $21 million with a 9% tax levy increase, cleared the bar comfortably Tuesday. The vote was 460 yes to 221 no, with a required supermajority threshold of 409 votes. Voters delivered.

The 15% increase had been the first hike to the district’s property tax levy in six years. Superintendent Jeremy Siddon acknowledged both the financial strain and the community’s trust.

“At this time, our focus remains on working collaboratively to present a responsible budget proposal that supports our students, staff and programs while remaining mindful of community concerns and financial realities,” Siddon said.

Why These Revotes Mattered

When a school district budget fails, New York State law does not allow endless mulligans. Districts must either hold a revote on June 16 or adopt a contingency budget, which typically means significant reductions in programs, extracurricular activities, and staffing.

For West Canada Valley, a contingency plan would have required approximately $835,000 in cuts. That would have likely reached into classrooms, sports programs, and after-school activities that many families count on. For Rome, a contingency budget would have sliced roughly $1 million, potentially impacting staff additions, safety improvements, and facilities upgrades already promised in the original plan.

The fact that both communities came out to vote and said yes signals something important: when districts listen, trim responsibly, and communicate clearly, voters respond.

What Comes Next for Both Districts

With budgets now officially approved, both districts can begin the important work of planning for the 2026-2027 school year. Staff can be hired, programs can be finalized, and students and families can plan with confidence.

The Board of Education for Rome City School District was set to formally adopt the budget Wednesday evening. West Canada Valley leaders will now move forward with implementation of their revised $21 million spending plan.

For parents, teachers, and community members who showed up to both votes, this is the payoff. Their voices shaped the outcome twice. That is exactly how local democracy is supposed to work.

Voters in your community have the power to shape the future of public education. Stay engaged, stay informed, and make your voice heard every election cycle, not just during the big ones.