Norwich City School District presents budget with 0% tax increase. Superintendent Scott Ryan said the proposed budget calls for no increase in school taxes. (ES File photo)

NORWICH – Despite rising costs, the Norwich City School District is proposing a budget that calls for no increase in school taxes.

The total proposed 2026-27 budget is $51,743,168. The Norwich School District has a property tax cap of 0.23 percent, but this year they plan to keep school taxes at their current level.

School districts across New York State are dealing with increased costs this year and Norwich is no different.

According to Norwich Schools Superintendent Scott Ryan, spending was up in many areas.

“Like many districts across the state, Norwich has experienced rising costs in key areas. Most notably, we are budgeting for over a $1 million increase in health insurance expenses, along with significantly increased utility costs. We have also seen continued pressure in special education-related expenses, all of which have been accounted for in our planning,” Ryan explained.

He said that despite those factors, the district will not be cutting staff or programming this year.

“We asked departments to reduce spending on materials and supplies and tightened budgets wherever possible to preserve the educational experience for our students,” he said.

Ryan explained additional components of the 2026-27 budget include debt service for a previous capital improvement project, the district’s share of DCMO Books capital expenses, a $100,000 capital outlay project for 2026-27, and a $35,000 safety and security project.