Jamesville-DeWitt Adopts $74.9M Budget, Cuts 35 Positions

The Jamesville-DeWitt Board of Education adopted a $74.9 million budget for 2026-27 on April 20, reducing spending by $365,208 from the current year. The district will eliminate 35 positions: 24 through retirements and resignations, 11 through layoffs.

A $5 million budget gap driven by rising utilities and health insurance costs prompted the reductions. The district expects a 1-2% increase in state Foundation Aid and will draw $2.5 million from reserves, down from $4 million last year.

Superintendent Darcy Woodcock said the district prioritized maintaining student services. "Our team worked hard to find more efficient ways to operate without changing the student experience," Woodcock said.

The budget stays within the 2.63% tax levy limit. Funding sources include $22.9 million in state aid, $47.5 million from the tax levy, $2.5 million from reserves, and $2 million from other revenues.

Voters will decide two propositions on May 19. One authorizes $837,993 for four 65-passenger buses and one wheelchair bus. The other would levy $1,688,580 for the Community Library of DeWitt & Jamesville.

Three candidates filed for three open Board of Education seats: Andrew Nolan, Dominic D'Imperio, and David Babikian. The three-year terms run from July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2029.

A public hearing takes place Monday, May 11 at 7 p.m. at J-D High School in the Large Group Room. Voting occurs Tuesday, May 19 from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. at the high school gymnasium.